Under California Rules of Court, Rule 2.1050(e), use of the Judicial Council instructions is strongly encouraged. If the latest edition of the jury instructions approved by the Judicial Council contains an instruction applicable to a case and the trial judge determines that the jury should be instructed on the subject, it is recommended that the judge use the Judicial Council instruction unless he or she finds that a different instruction would more accurately state the law and be understood by jurors.

Also be sure to purchase your LexisNexis Automated Judicial Council of California Criminal Jury Instructions as well so you can easily draft, assemble, and further research jury instructions.