Legal Definitions - model jury charge

A model jury charge refers to a standardized, pre-approved set of legal instructions that a judge reads to a jury before they begin their deliberations. These "model" instructions are developed by legal experts, often committees of judges and lawyers, to ensure accuracy, clarity, and consistency in how the law is explained to juries across different courts and cases. They cover various legal topics, from defining specific crimes or civil claims to explaining concepts like the burden of proof or the credibility of witnesses.

Judges use model jury charges as a template, adapting them as needed to the specific facts of a particular case, but relying on their established language to correctly guide the jury on the applicable law. This practice helps prevent errors, promotes fairness, and ensures that juries apply the law consistently.

• Example 1: Criminal Trial for Theft

  Imagine a criminal trial where a person is accused of theft. Before the jury retires to decide guilt or innocence, the judge must explain what "theft" legally means. Instead of crafting this explanation from scratch, the judge would likely consult a state's official collection of model jury charges. This collection would contain a pre-written instruction outlining the specific elements the prosecution must prove for a conviction of theft (e.g., taking property, without permission, with intent to permanently deprive the owner). The judge would read this standardized language, perhaps with minor adjustments for the case's specifics, ensuring the jury understands the precise legal definition of theft they must apply to the evidence.

• Example 2: Civil Lawsuit for Breach of Contract

  Consider a civil lawsuit where one company is suing another for breaching a contract. The jury's task is to determine if a breach occurred and, if so, what damages should be awarded. To guide them, the judge would use a model jury charge on contract law. This charge would define what constitutes a valid contract, what a "breach" means in legal terms, and the different types of damages that might be awarded. By using these standardized instructions, the judge ensures that the jury applies the correct legal principles of contract law, rather than their own interpretations, when evaluating the evidence presented by both companies.

• Example 3: Personal Injury Claim Alleging Negligence

  Suppose a pedestrian is suing a driver for injuries sustained in a car accident, alleging negligence. The jury needs to understand what "negligence" means in a legal context and how to assess damages. The judge would refer to model jury charges for personal injury cases. These charges would provide clear definitions of negligence (e.g., duty of care, breach of duty, causation, damages) and guidelines for calculating compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Using these model instructions helps ensure that all jurors apply the same legal standard for negligence and damages, leading to a more consistent and fair outcome.