Connecticut Jury Instruction — 6.2 Burden of Proof for Multiple Claims or if Both Plaintiff and Defendant or Third Parties Have Burden of Proof: In Connecticut, when multiple claims are involved in a trial or when both the plaintiff and defendant or third parties have a burden of proof, the burden of proof plays a crucial role in determining the outcome of the case. The jury instruction — 6.2 provides guidance on how the burden of proof should be applied in such situations. 1. Burden of Proof for Multiple Claims: When multiple claims are presented in a trial, the jury must carefully consider each claim separately. The burden of proof lies with the party asserting the claim for each specific cause of action. The jury must assess the evidence presented and determine whether the burden of proof has been satisfied for each individual claim. The jury should be instructed to evaluate each claim independently and not allow the disposition of one claim to influence their decision on another claim. This approach ensures that each claim is assessed on its own merits and prevents the potential bias or prejudice based on the outcome of other claims. 2. Burden of Proof for Both Plaintiff and Defendant: In certain situations, both the plaintiff and the defendant may have a burden of proof for different elements of the case. In such instances, the jury must be provided with clear instructions to determine the burden of proof for each party. The plaintiff carries the overall burden of proof to establish their claims, while the defendant may bear the burden to establish certain defenses or counterclaims. The jury should be informed that the burden of proof is preponderance of the evidence for most civil claims, where the evidence presented is more likely true than not true. However, in some specific cases, such as fraud or clear and convincing evidence standard, a higher burden of proof may be required. 3. Burden of Proof for Third Parties: In cases involving third parties, where their rights or liabilities are at stake, the burden of proof must also be appropriately allocated. The instruction to the jury should clearly outline the applicable burden of proof for each party involved. The jury should meticulously examine the evidence presented regarding the third party's involvement and assess whether the evidence meets the required burden of proof to establish their rights or liabilities. It is crucial to ensure that the jury understands the distinction between burdens of proof for the main parties involved and any third parties. By providing clear and concise instructions regarding the burden of proof for multiple claims or situations where both plaintiff and defendant or third parties have the burden of proof, the Connecticut jury can make informed decisions based on the evidence presented in a fair and just manner.