Maryland Jury Instruction — 11.11.1 General Instruction is a legal guideline provided to juries in Maryland to assist them in understanding their role and duties during a trial. This instruction provides guidance on how jurors should approach the evidence presented and make their decisions. It ensures that jurors are informed about the legal principles they need to apply and the standards they should follow for a fair and just verdict. Some different types of Maryland Jury Instruction — 11.11.1 General Instruction include: 1. Maryland Jury Instruction — 11.11.1 Criminal General Instruction: This instruction is applicable in criminal trials, where jurors are instructed on their role and responsibilities in assessing the evidence and making determinations of guilt or innocence. It provides specific information on relevant legal standards, burden of proof, and the elements necessary to establish a conviction. 2. Maryland Jury Instruction — 11.11.1 Civil General Instruction: In civil trials, this instruction is provided to jurors to guide them in understanding the legal principles applicable to the case at hand. It helps jurors assess liability, damages, and other factors necessary for rendering a verdict in favor of the plaintiff or the defendant. The Maryland Jury Instruction — 11.11.1 General Instruction includes the following key points: 1. Presumption of innocence: Jurors are instructed that the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless the prosecution proves guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. This principle serves as a fundamental cornerstone of the criminal justice system. 2. Burden of proof: Jurors are informed that it is the prosecution's responsibility to prove the defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. They are instructed not to convict unless they are firmly convinced of the defendant's guilt based on the evidence presented. 3. Evaluation of evidence: Jurors are guided on how to evaluate the credibility and weight of the evidence presented during the trial. They are instructed to consider all the evidence, including witness testimony, exhibits, and expert opinions, and assess their reliability and consistency. 4. Elements of the offense: Jurors are provided with the specific elements that the prosecution must prove to establish the defendant's guilt. They are instructed to carefully analyze whether each element has been proven beyond a reasonable doubt. 5. Reasonable doubt: Jurors are given an explanation of the concept of reasonable doubt — that it is not mere possible doubt, speculative doubt, or imaginary doubt, but a doubt based on reason and common sense. They are guided to acquit if the prosecution fails to eliminate reasonable doubt in their minds. Maryland Jury Instruction — 11.11.1 General Instruction plays a crucial role in ensuring that jurors have a clear understanding of their obligations and responsibilities throughout a trial. By providing them with the necessary legal principles and standards, this instruction helps maintain the integrity and fairness of the entire judicial process.