What are jury instructions?

Jury instructions are statements of law that are given to the jury before it begins deliberations. They are intended to provide guidance to the jurors and help them decide the case. In Louisiana, the court gives the jury written instructions which outline the legal principles that must be applied in order to reach a verdict. The instructions are divided into two categories: substantive and procedural. Substantive instructions tell the jury which elements of a crime must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt in order for the defendant to be found guilty. Procedural instructions explain the rules of the court that the jury must follow such as the rules of evidence. The jury is responsible for following the law as given in the jury instructions. They must consider the evidence presented and the instructions from the court in order to make a decision regarding the case. When the jury reaches a verdict, they return to the courtroom and make their decision known to the judge. The jury instructions are an important element of the legal process. They ensure that the trial follows the required legal procedures and that the jury base their verdict on the evidence presented and the law.

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