Legal Definitions - jury instruction

Jury instructions are formal directions given by a judge to a jury at the conclusion of a trial, just before the jury begins its deliberations. These instructions explain the specific laws that apply to the facts presented in the case, guiding the jury on how to evaluate the evidence, determine the facts, and apply the law to reach a verdict. They ensure the jury understands its legal duties, the standards of proof it must follow, and the legal principles relevant to the claims or charges at hand.

• Example 1: Criminal Trial - Burden of Proof

  Imagine a criminal trial where a person is accused of assault. Before the jury retires to decide, the judge would provide jury instructions explaining that the prosecution bears the burden of proving the defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The judge would define what "beyond a reasonable doubt" means and clarify that the defendant is presumed innocent until this high standard of proof is met by the evidence presented.

  This example illustrates jury instructions by showing how they guide the jury on the fundamental legal standard required for a conviction in a criminal case, ensuring they do not convict based on mere suspicion or a lower standard of proof.

• Example 2: Civil Trial - Elements of a Claim

  Consider a civil lawsuit where a homeowner is suing a contractor for negligence after a poorly installed roof led to water damage. The judge would instruct the jury on the specific legal elements the homeowner must prove to establish negligence (e.g., the contractor owed a duty of care, breached that duty, and this breach directly caused the homeowner's damages). The judge would also explain that these elements must be proven by a preponderance of the evidence, meaning it is more likely than not that the claims are true.

  This example demonstrates jury instructions by showing how they provide the jury with a clear framework of the legal requirements for a specific civil claim, ensuring their decision is based on whether the plaintiff has met the legal definition of negligence.

• Example 3: Evaluating Witness Credibility

  In a trial where several witnesses have given conflicting accounts of an event, the judge might include jury instructions on how to assess witness credibility. These instructions could advise the jury to consider factors such as a witness's demeanor, their consistency, any potential bias or motive they might have, and how their testimony aligns with other evidence presented in the case, rather than simply choosing the witness they personally like more.

  This example highlights jury instructions by showing how they equip the jury with objective criteria and legal guidance for evaluating subjective aspects of testimony, helping them make reasoned judgments about which evidence is more believable.