Legal Definitions - single-juror instruction

A single-juror instruction is a specific directive given by a judge to a jury during deliberations, emphasizing the independent duty of each individual juror to decide the case based on their own assessment of the evidence and the law. This instruction reminds jurors that while they should engage in thorough discussion and consider the views of their fellow jurors, ultimately, each juror must arrive at their own conclusion and not surrender their honest convictions merely to achieve a unanimous verdict or conform to the majority opinion.

Here are some examples illustrating the application of a single-juror instruction:

• Criminal Trial Deliberation: Imagine a criminal trial for embezzlement where, after several days of deliberation, eleven jurors are convinced of the defendant's guilt. However, one juror, Juror A, has persistent doubts about the reliability of a key witness's testimony and believes the prosecution has not proven guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The other jurors are growing frustrated and are pressuring Juror A to change their vote to achieve a unanimous verdict. Sensing this potential undue pressure, the judge might issue a single-juror instruction. This instruction would remind all jurors, and particularly Juror A, that each individual juror has the responsibility to make their own decision based on their honest assessment of the evidence and the law, and should not simply agree with the majority if it goes against their sincere belief.

• Civil Case Damages Assessment: Consider a civil lawsuit where a plaintiff is seeking substantial damages for a breach of contract. The jury has already determined that the defendant is liable, but they are struggling to agree on the exact amount of compensation. Most jurors believe a high figure is appropriate based on the plaintiff's claimed losses, but Juror B believes a much lower amount is justified, finding some of the plaintiff's damage claims to be speculative. Juror B feels isolated and pressured to agree to the higher sum to conclude deliberations. A single-juror instruction from the judge would reinforce that Juror B, like every other juror, must independently determine the appropriate damages amount according to the evidence presented and the legal guidelines provided, and should not abandon their own reasoned judgment simply to reach a consensus.

• Complex Legal Interpretation: In a highly technical environmental law case, the jury is tasked with applying complex regulatory standards to scientific evidence. Juror C, who has a background in environmental science, interprets a specific legal term related to "hazardous waste" differently than the rest of the jury, leading to a different conclusion about the defendant's compliance. The other jurors, perhaps less comfortable with the technical nuances, are urging Juror C to conform to their interpretation. The judge could provide a single-juror instruction, reminding each juror, including Juror C, that they must individually apply the law as instructed to the facts as they understand them, and that while discussion and consideration of others' views are crucial, each juror's final vote must reflect their own independent and honest conviction regarding the application of that specific legal point to the evidence.