New Hampshire Jury Instruction — Preliminary Instructions Before Opening Statements — Short Form serves a crucial role in providing guidance to jurors before the commencement of a trial. These instructions establish the foundation upon which jurors understand their responsibilities, the legal standards, and the overall structure of the trial. Here's an in-depth description of this jury instruction and its different types: 1. Purpose: The New Hampshire Jury Instruction — Preliminary Instructions Before Opening Statements — Short Form is aimed at preparing jurors for their upcoming role in a trial. These instructions introduce jurors to their duties, emphasize the importance of fair and impartial judgment, explain the basic trial process, and remind jurors of their duty to follow the law. 2. Scope: This jury instruction covers the essential aspects of a trial that jurors need to comprehend before opening statements. It includes topics such as the presumption of innocence, the burden of proof, the role of the judge, the role of the lawyers, the evaluation of witness testimony, the disregarding of personal biases, and the prohibition of outside influences during deliberations. 3. Variations: While the specific content largely remains consistent for all New Hampshire Jury Instructions — Preliminary Instructions Before Opening Statements — Short Form, variations may exist to account for the unique circumstances of each trial. For instance, in criminal trials, specific instructions may focus on the elements of the alleged crime and the requirement of the prosecution to prove guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. In civil cases, instructions may emphasize the preponderance of evidence standard and the role of the jury in determining liability and damages. 4. Legal Authority: The New Hampshire Jury Instruction — Preliminary Instructions Before Opening Statements — Short Form is developed and authorized by the New Hampshire Judicial Branch. It ensures that jurors receive accurate and standardized information, aiding them in understanding and fulfilling their obligations. 5. Jury Education: These preliminary instructions play a vital role in educating the jury about legal principles and procedural rules. By minimizing confusion and providing a solid foundation of knowledge, the instruction enables jurors to meet their duty effectively, ensuring a fair trial for all parties involved. In summary, New Hampshire Jury Instruction — Preliminary Instructions Before Opening Statements — Short Form is a set of standardized guidelines that prepare jurors for their role in a trial. By covering various aspects of the trial process and emphasizing fundamental legal principles, these instructions promote fair and impartial decision-making. Different variations may exist depending on the specific type of trial, but they all serve the same purpose of educating and guiding jurors.