Florida Jury Instruction - Duty to Follow Instructions, etc.

• Category: Federal - Jury Instructions - Basic Criminal Claim Instructions
• State: Multi-State
• Control #: US-11CR-2-1
• Format: Word; Rich Text

Description

This form contains sample jury instructions, to be used across the United States. These questions are to be used only as a model, and should be altered to more perfectly fit your own cause of action needs.

Title: Understanding Florida Jury Instruction — Duty to Follow Instructions Introduction: Florida Jury Instruction — Duty to Follow Instructions is a crucial element within the legal process, ensuring that jurors understand their responsibility to adhere to the instructions provided by the judge during a trial. This article will provide a detailed description of this instruction, its significance, and different types that exist in the Florida legal system. 1. Overview of Florida Jury Instruction — Duty to Follow Instructions: The Florida Jury Instruction — Duty to Follow Instructions lays down explicit guidelines for jurors to follow when deliberating a case. It emphasizes the need for jurors to base their decisions solely on the evidence and instructions presented during the trial, rather than personal bias or external influences. 2. Importance of Duty to Follow Instructions: The duty to follow instructions is vital to maintain the integrity and fairness of the judicial system. It ensures that jurors reach verdicts that are just and in accordance with the law, as instructed by the judge. By adhering to these instructions, jurors contribute to upholding the principles of justice and protecting the rights of both the parties involved. 3. Types of Florida Jury Instruction — Duty to Follow Instructions: a. General Instruction: The general instruction on the duty to follow instructions is the most common variant provided to jurors. It emphasizes the importance of carefully considering all the evidence presented and following the judge's instructions on the law applicable to the case. Jurors are expected to disregard personal opinions, media influences, and sympathy when reaching a decision. b. Specific Instruction Variations: i. Credibility Instruction: This instruction requires jurors to evaluate the credibility of witnesses, assess witness testimonies objectively, and weigh the evidence accordingly. It highlights the importance of avoiding conjecture or speculation that may influence their judgment. ii. Jury Nullification Instruction: This instruction informs jurors that they must apply the law as it is provided by the judge. It specifically prohibits jurors from nullifying or willfully disregarding the law based on personal beliefs or opinions they have about the fairness of the law. iii. Burden of Proof Instruction: This instruction reminds jurors that the burden of proving guilt rests solely on the prosecution. Jurors must not assign any burden of proof to the defense or shift the responsibility from the prosecution during their deliberations. iv. Deliberation Instruction: This instruction guides jurors on how to conduct deliberations effectively, emphasizing respectful communication and careful consideration of each other's opinions. It reminds jurors not to rush to a decision but to engage in insightful discussions until reaching a unanimous or majority verdict, as mandated by the judge. Conclusion: The Florida Jury Instruction — Duty to Follow Instructions serves as a cornerstone in ensuring a fair and unbiased trial process by emphasizing that jurors must make decisions solely based on the evidence presented and the judge's instructions. By understanding and abiding by their duty to follow instructions, jurors help safeguard the principles of justice in Florida's legal system.