Opinion ID: 2570814
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 13

Heading: Deviation from Pattern Instruction

Text: First, we address Appleby's general argument that it was inappropriate to deviate from a pattern instruction. Contrary to the implication of this argument, it is not mandatory for Kansas courts to use PIK instructions, although it is strongly advised. State v. Mitchell, 269 Kan. 349, 355-56, 7 P.3d 1135 (2000). As this court has stated: The pattern jury instructions for Kansas (PIK) have been developed by a knowledgeable committee to bring accuracy, clarity, and uniformity to jury instructions. They should be the starting point in the preparation of any set of jury instructions. If the particular facts in a given case require modification of the applicable pattern instruction or the addition of some instruction not included in PIK, the trial court should not hesitate to make such modification or addition. However, absent such need, PIK instructions and recommendations should be followed. State v. Johnson, 255 Kan. 252, Syl. ¶ 3, 874 P.2d 623 (1994). Hence, we find no merit to Appleby's argument that error occurred simply because the trial court deviated from the pattern instruction.