Simple English definitions for legal terms
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A special instruction is a direction or guideline that a judge gives to a jury about the law of the case. It helps the jury understand the legal issues involved in the case and make a fair decision. Special instructions are usually given in response to a request from one of the lawyers in the case.
These examples illustrate how special instructions can help the jury understand the law and make a fair decision. The jury instruction reminds the jury of the defendant's presumption of innocence. The additional instruction helps the jury understand a specific piece of evidence. The mandatory instruction tells the jury how to decide the case based on certain facts.