What is an instruction to the jury?

An instruction to the jury is the legal rules that the judge gives to the jury before they begin their deliberations. Generally, the instruction to the jury includes defining the burden of proof, the elements of a crime, and other legal principles that apply to the case. In North Carolina, the jury is made up of twelve members who are chosen from the community and who have been pre-screened by the attorneys. The judge will provide instructions to the jury and explain what evidence is relevant and how to use it in determining the guilt or innocence of the accused. The instruction to the jury will explain the meaning of the criminal offense, which may include definitions of the elements of the crime that the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt. The jury must also be told the concept of innocent until proven guilty and that the burden of proof lies with the prosecution. The jury will also be told that they must work together and consider all evidence presented to them in order to reach a unanimous decision. Instructions to the jury must also explain that the jurors must not be biased in their deliberations and must remain impartial and unbiased in their evaluation of the evidence. Jury members must not be influenced by any opinions outside of the courtroom and must be fair and impartial while making their decision. Finally, an instruction to the jury will explain to the jury that they must not discuss the case until the testimony has ended and the case has been handed over to them for deliberations. The jury will then make a decision based on the evidence presented to them in court.

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