North Dakota Jury Instruction — Preliminary Instructions Before Opening Statements — Short Form is a set of guidelines and information provided by the court to jurors at the beginning of a trial. These instructions inform jurors about their role, the process they will be involved in, and the expectations set forth. Key Keywords: North Dakota, jury instruction, preliminary instructions, opening statements, short form. There are different types of North Dakota Jury Instruction — Preliminary Instructions Before Opening Statements — Short Form, which may include: 1. Criminal Trial: In criminal cases, the Short Form of the preliminary instructions is tailored specifically to inform jurors about their role in determining the guilt or innocence of the defendant. It outlines the burden of proof, the presumption of innocence, and the importance of carefully considering evidence and witness testimony. 2. Civil Trial: For civil trials, the Short Form of the preliminary instructions focuses on providing jurors with an understanding of their responsibilities in resolving disputes between parties. It emphasizes the need to weigh evidence, consider credibility, and apply the law as instructed by the court. 3. Personal Injury Cases: In personal injury cases, the preliminary instructions may address specific elements such as negligence, causation, and damages. Jurors are briefed on their role in determining compensation for the injured party, considering medical records, expert testimony, and potential financial implications of the verdict. 4. Wrongful Death Cases: When a wrongful death claim is being tried, the Short Form of the preliminary instructions may include additional information relevant to these circumstances. Instructions may cover factors such as the burden of proof, the measurement of damages, and the role of individual jurors in ensuring justice for the deceased and their family. The purpose of the North Dakota Jury Instruction — Preliminary Instructions Before Opening Statements — Short Form is to establish a foundation of understanding for jurors before they hear the opening statements from the attorneys. Its aim is to provide clarity about their role, the legal principles involved, and to ensure a fair and unbiased trial process. Compliance with these instructions is essential to maintaining the integrity of the trial and ensuring a just verdict.