What are jury instructions?

Jury instructions are explanations of the law that the judge gives to the jury before they begin deliberating over a case in Massachusetts. These instructions are intended to provide guidance to the jury and help them make a fair and accurate decision during deliberations. Jury instructions explain what the law says about the elements of a crime and how it applies to the evidence of the case the jury has heard. In Massachusetts, the judge may present the instructions orally or in writing. In Massachusetts, the judge will read the instructions to the jury as a group for the first time. The instructions might be read more than once if the jury requests it. After the instructions are read, the jury is given time to ask questions about the instructions. This is done to ensure that everyone in the jury understands the instructions correctly. The jury instructions allow the jury to understand the law and help them make an informed decision. The instructions serve as a reminder of the evidence presented and how it fits into the context of the law. Jury instructions help the jury understand how to reach a verdict that is fair and accurate. In Massachusetts, the jury instructions must be followed for a case to be legally binding.

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