Georgia Jury Instruction — 7.7.1 GeneraInstructionio— - Comparative Negligence Defense is a crucial component of the legal system in Georgia. This instruction aims to guide the jury in understanding the concept of comparative negligence and its implications in civil cases. When there are multiple parties involved in a lawsuit, each party's level of negligence or fault needs to be determined. Comparative negligence is a legal doctrine that allows for the allocation of fault or responsibility based on the extent to which each party contributed to causing the damages or injuries involved in the case. Under this instruction, the jury is instructed on how to assess and compare the negligence of each party involved. This instruction provides a framework for the jury to consider the evidence presented during the trial and assign a percentage of fault to each party. The jury must evaluate the actions or omissions of each party and determine their degree of responsibility for the damages sustained. There are generally two types of comparative negligence defenses that can be addressed through Georgia Jury Instruction — 7.7.1: 1. Pure Comparative Negligence: This defense allows for the allocation of fault regardless of the percentage of negligence attributed to the plaintiff. Even if the plaintiff is found to be primarily at fault, they are still entitled to recover damages, but the award is reduced by their percentage of fault. 2. Modified Comparative Negligence: Under this defense, the plaintiff's recovery is limited if their percentage of negligence exceeds a certain threshold. In Georgia, the modified comparative negligence rule applied is known as the "50% Bar Rule." According to this rule, the plaintiff is barred from recovering any damages if their fault is determined to be 50% or more. If the plaintiff's fault is less than 50%, their recovery is still possible, but reduced in proportion to their degree of fault. In both cases, Georgia Jury Instruction — 7.7.1 provides the jury with the guidelines and principles necessary to assess the comparative negligence defense effectively. The instruction emphasizes the importance of carefully evaluating the evidence, arguments, and testimonies presented to reach a fair and just determination of fault. Understanding Georgia Jury Instruction — 7.7.1 GeneraInstructionio— - Comparative Negligence Defense is essential for all parties involved in civil cases as it influences the ultimate outcome of the trial and the allocation of damages. Whether it is pure comparative negligence or modified comparative negligence, the jury relies on this instruction to navigate the complexities of assessing fault and reaching a fair resolution.