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Steven Avery & Brendan Dassey— Case Archive
Steven AverytranscripttranscriptRenewed Presumption-of-Innocence Instruction - Day 1 - Steven AveryBefore the defense opening on Day 1, the court reread the presumption-of-innocence instruction.
Patrick L. WillisTHE COURTjury_instructions
Steven Avery/Day 1/February 12, 2007
10 pages·3 witnesses·756 lines
The court gave preliminary instructions, and both sides presented opening statements. Michael Halbach, Thomas Pearce, and David Beach testified about Halbach’s work, the search for her, and her reported visit to Avery Salvage Yard.
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Jury Instruction

6.Renewed Presumption-of-Innocence Instruction

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Renewed Presumption-of-Innocence Instruction
Jury InstructionJury Instr.Renewed Presumption-of-Innocence Instruction
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THE COURT: Members of the jury, a question came up during break concerning the definition of presumption of innocence, so I'm going to read that excerpt to you again at this time, from the opening instructions I gave you earlier. Then we'll hear the opening statement from the defense.

Defendants are not required to prove their innocence. The law presumes every person charged with the commission of an offense to be innocent. This presumption requires a finding of not guilty unless in your deliberations you find it is overcome by evidence which satisfies you, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the defendant is guilty. Mr. Strang, at this time you may begin.

Continue to next page7.Defense Opening Statement
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