What are jury instructions?

Jury instructions are the guidelines given to the jury by the judge in a criminal case. They are intended to inform the jury of the law and to provide them with the legal principles that they must apply during their deliberations. The instructions are written by the judge, often with the help of the attorneys for each side, and are used to help the jury reach a fair and just verdict. In Oregon, when a judge delivers jury instructions, they outline the facts of the case and explain the elements necessary for a particular charge. Jury instructions may also explain the burden of proof-—that is, which party must prove something to the jury in order to win the case. Jury instructions may also include information about how jurors should consider the evidence and how they should go about reaching a decision. For example, the judge may explain that jurors should weigh different pieces of evidence separately, and not simply rely on one item of evidence when making a decision. Finally, jury instructions typically provide instructions on what the jury must decide in order to reach a verdict. For example, if the defendant is charged with theft, the jury must decide whether the defendant is guilty of that charge beyond a reasonable doubt. Jury instructions are essential to determining a fair outcome in a criminal case, so it is critical that jurors understand and follow them.

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