What are jury instructions?

Jury instructions are legal instructions given to a jury by a judge before deliberation in a court of law. These instructions are meant to explain the law as it relates to the case being considered by the jury. The judge provides them with these instructions so they can apply the facts of the case objectively and arrive at a fair verdict. In South Carolina, jury instructions are a crucial part of the legal process. The judge reads aloud the instructions to the jury so that everyone in the courtroom—including the jury, attorneys, witnesses, and spectators—can understand how the law should be applied in the particular case. Once the judge has finished reading the jury instructions, the jury typically retreats to deliberate in a separate room. The jury instructions serve as a guide for the jury to refer to as they debate the case and reach a verdict. The jury must follow the instructions provided in order to issue a fair and legal decision. As such, jury instructions are an important legal concept. They provide a framework for the jury to follow during deliberations. Jury instructions must be given clearly and precisely to ensure that justice is served in every case. If the jury fails to understand the law in the case, their decision could be overturned on appeal. Therefore, jury instructions are key for a fair trial.

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