Illinois Jury Instruction — Preliminary Instructions Before Opening Statements — Short Form is a set of legal guidelines given to jurors at the beginning of a trial in Illinois. These instructions provide an overview of the trial process and the duties and responsibilities of the jurors. Here are some key details about this instruction: 1. Purpose: The purpose of the Illinois Jury Instruction — Preliminary Instructions Before Opening Statements — Short Form is to acquaint the jurors with their roles, to emphasize the importance of their impartiality, and to provide them with a basic understanding of the trial process. 2. Importance of Duties: These instructions emphasize the jurors' crucial role in determining the facts of the case and applying the law as instructed by the judge. It stresses the importance of listening attentively to the evidence, keeping an open mind, and considering only the evidence presented during the trial. 3. Presumption of Innocence: The instruction highlights the fundamental principle of "presumption of innocence," reminding jurors that the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. It emphasizes that the burden of proof lies with the prosecution. 4. Rules of Evidence: The instructions briefly introduce the concept of "rules of evidence" that govern what information can be presented during the trial. Jurors are advised to consider only admissible evidence and to avoid drawing conclusions based on anything outside the courtroom. 5. Opening Statements: The short form instruction does not specifically address opening statements. However, some variations of this instruction may include a section providing guidance on opening statements, which are the initial statements made by the attorneys outlining their case and what they expect to prove. 6. Witness Credibility: Jurors are informed about the importance of assessing the credibility of witnesses, including evaluating their demeanor, consistency, and potential biases. They are reminded to rely on their own observations when determining the credibility of a witness. 7. Judge's Instructions: Lastly, the instruction emphasizes that the jurors must follow the legal instructions provided by the judge at the conclusion of the trial. It instructs them not to form any fixed opinions or discuss the case until all the evidence and instructions have been presented. Overall, the Illinois Jury Instruction — Preliminary Instructions Before Opening Statements — Short Form prepares jurors for their role in the trial process, reminds them of their obligations, and reinforces the principles of fairness and impartiality. It sets the stage for the trial, ensuring that jurors approach the case with a clear understanding of their responsibilities.
Illinois Jury Instruction - Preliminary Instructions Before Opening Statements - Short Form
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FAQ
The judge issues their jury instructions at the end of a trial, once the prosecution and defense have presented all of their evidence and arguments.
The lawyers each make an opening statement outlining what they intend to prove. Jurors should understand that these opening statements are not evidence. Afterward, the plaintiff is usually the first to present evidence to support his or her position, and the defendant follows with his or her evidence.
Judge's Instructions on the Law Either before or after the closing arguments by the lawyers, the judge will explain the law that applies to the case to you. This is the judge's instruction to the jury. You have to apply that law to the facts, as you have heard them, in arriving at your verdict.
Thus, preliminary instructions should cover the statutory requirements, set forth the basic and important legal principles that a jury needs to know, attempt to explain to jurors things they will see and hear during a trial that might otherwise puzzle them, and try to assure jurors that rulings on objections and the ...
PATTERN JURY INSTRUCTIONS WHICH PROVIDE A BODY OF BRIEF, UNIFORM INSTRUCTIONS THAT FULLY STATE THE LAW WITHOUT NEEDLESS REPETION ARE PRESENTED; BASIC, SPECIAL, OFFENSE, AND TRIAL INSTRUCTIONS ARE INCLUDED.
For example, a judge might instruct jurors that, as a matter of law, the defendant must have known they were committing a crime to be convicted. The jury must make the factual determination whether the evidence showed that the defendant had that knowledge.
Either before or after the closing arguments by the lawyers, the judge will explain the law that applies to the case to you. This is the judge's instruction to the jury. You have to apply that law to the facts, as you have heard them, in arriving at your verdict.
The judge will advise the jury that it is the sole judge of the facts and of the credibility (believability) of witnesses. He or she will note that the jurors are to base their conclusions on the evidence as presented in the trial, and that the opening and closing arguments of the lawyers are not evidence.