Supreme Court of Florida
In Re Standard Jury Instructions in Criminal Cases-Instructions 25.9-25.13
April 18, 2013112 So. 3d 1211
Summary
The Supreme Court of Florida authorized the publication and use of amended standard jury instructions 25.9‑25.13 for drug‑trafficking offenses, removing the knowledge‑of‑illicit‑nature element and treating lack of such knowledge as an affirmative defense consistent with State v. Adkins. The Court found the amendments reflect legislative intent and ordered the instructions effective upon finality. Justice Canady partially dissented, rejecting the reasonable‑doubt instruction, while Justice Pariente concurred, supporting its retention.