Sample Law Outline for Death Penalty Venire Panel

STATE OF TEXAS vs. _____________________

___ DISTRICT COURT OF _______________ COUNTY, TEXAS

JUDGE ___________________

OUTLINE OF APPLICABLE LAWS

The following outline of applicable laws is given you as a supplement to the oral instructions issued by Judge _______________. Please review this outline before appearing in court for your individual jury selection interview and bring it back with you. The law will be further explained to you during the individual interview. DO NOT ASK ANYONE ABOUT THE LAW APPLICABLE TO THIS CASE OR DISCUSS THE CASE WITH ANYONE.

The defendant in this case is charged with the offense of capital murder. The state alleges that the defendant participated in the capital murder of ___________ on __________, ___.

The applicable law is summarized as follows:

1) The defendant is presumed to be innocent.

2) The presumption of innocence alone is sufficient to acquit the defendant unless the state proves to the jury beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant is guilty. The law does not require a defendant to prove his innocence or produce any evidence at all.

3) It is not required that the state prove the defendant’s guilt beyond all possible doubt; but it is required that the state’s proof excludes all reasonable doubt concerning the...