What are jury instructions?

Jury instructions are the rules a judge will explain to a jury before the jury begins its deliberations in a trial. These instructions explain the laws that the jury must consider when coming to their verdict. In North Carolina, the trial judge provides jury instructions to the jury as part of formal instructions. After both sides in a case have presented their evidence, the instructions explain what the jury must consider and decide in order to reach its verdict. Additionally, the instructions explain the burden of proof, which is the responsibility of the prosecution to demonstrate guilt “beyond a reasonable doubt.” The instructions also explain the concept of reasonable doubt and that the jury should acquit the defendant if it is not completely sure of guilt. In some cases, the jury also receives verbal explanations which help them interpret the instructions. As a jury, they have the legal obligation to follow the instructions provided by the judge. Jury instructions are an important part of the legal proceedings in North Carolina and must be taken seriously.

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