Mississippi Jury Instruction - Special Verdict Instruction

Jury Instructions. instructions that are given by the trial judge that specifically state what the defendant can be found guilty of and what the prosecution or plaintiff has to prove in order for a guilty verdict.

A jury instruction is given by the judge to the jury to explain what is happening in the court, to explain the points of law relevant to the case, to explain certain aspects of the evidence presented and to assist the jurors in understanding their duties in reaching a verdict.

On the average, jurors serve approximately 1-3 days during a one month term of service. The Judge will adjourn the jury each evening and will instruct you on what time you must return the following morning. You must check in with the Jury Department each morning.

Jury instructions, directions to the jury, or judge's charge are legal rules that jurors should follow when deciding a case.

The judge instructs the jury about the relevant laws that should guide its deliberations. (In some jurisdictions, the court may instruct the jury at any time after the close of evidence.The judge reads the instructions to the jury. This is commonly referred to as the judge's charge to the jury.

A judgment notwithstanding the verdict (or JNOV) is an order by a judge after a jury has returned its verdict. The judge can overturn the jury's verdict if he or she feels it cannot reasonably be supported by the evidence or if it contradicts itself.

These are civil or criminal jury instructions approved by a state court, bench committee, or bar association. They are commonly used by courts in the relevant jurisdiction, as they ease the process of drafting fair jury instructions and theoretically do not have errors.

A curative instruction is given to a jury by the judge in a case to negate the prejudicial effect of an erroneous instruction or tainted evidence.