What is an instruction to the jury?

An instruction to the jury is a set of directions given by the judge that reminds and guides the jury as they come to their decision. In Washington State, the jury is instructed to listen to all the evidence presented and to consider the law and facts carefully. The judge will tell the jury how the law applies to each issue in the case and then explains their role as jurors. As jurors, they should not be influenced by public opinion, sympathy, passion, or prejudice. The jury is also asked to not discuss the case, either inside or outside the courtroom, until instructed to do so by the judge. Ultimately, it is the jury’s duty to weigh the evidence and make a decision based on the facts as presented in the courtroom and the applicable law. If a juror finds that a particular element of the case has not been proven, they are instructed to give the defendant the benefit of the doubt and find them not guilty.

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