New Mexico Jury Instruction - Note-Taking - Not Permitted

• Category: Federal - Jury Instructions - Trial Instructions
• State: Multi-State
• Control #: US-11CRT-2-2
• Format: Word; Rich Text

Description

This is a model text for an instruction to jurors regarding the taking of notes. It explains that notes should not be taken, due to the desire that the collective memory of the jury be used during deliberations, and that all exhibits and recorded testimony will be made available to the jury at the time of deliberations. An annotation states that juror's note taking or not is within the discretion of the court.

New Mexico Jury Instruction Note-takingin— - Not Permitted: A Detailed Description In the state of New Mexico, when a trial is underway, the judge provides the jury with instructions to guide them in the application of the law to the case being presented. Jury instructions are crucial as they help jurors understand their roles and responsibilities in reaching a fair and just verdict. One important aspect of jury instructions in New Mexico is the prohibition of note-taking by jurors, which aims to maintain fairness, attentiveness, and impartiality throughout the trial process. The New Mexico Jury Instruction Note-takingin— - Not Permitted emphasizes that jurors should not take notes during the trial. This instruction is important to ensure that jurors actively participate in the proceedings, attentively listen to witness testimonies, consider evidence presented, and engage in discussions with their fellow jurors. By refraining from taking notes, jurors can focus on the entire trial without getting distracted by note-taking activities. This also helps minimize room for potential bias or undue emphasis on certain pieces of evidence, as jurors depend on their collective memory rather than personal notes. By prohibiting note-taking, the court aims to prevent potential issues that may arise, such as jurors attaching undue significance to their own notes over other jurors' recollections or injecting personal interpretations or biases. This instruction promotes the idea that all jurors need to contribute to the deliberation process and consider the trial evidence collectively. It puts the responsibility on each juror to recall and discuss the evidence shared during the trial, enhancing the fairness and objectivity of the decision-making process. It is worth noting that this jury instruction does not imply that jurors should disregard any evidence or fail to retain relevant information. Instead, it encourages jurors to actively engage in listening and evaluating testimony and arguments without the need for note-taking. This instruction ensures that jurors give their complete attention to the trial proceedings while promoting equal participation and a balanced deliberation process. Different Types of New Mexico Jury Instruction Note-takingin— - Not Permitted: 1. New Mexico Jury Instruction FUJI 14-110: Note-Taking — Not Permitted: This instruction specifically addresses the prohibition of note-taking and explains its significance in preventing potential biases and distractions during the trial. It emphasizes the importance of collective memory and unbiased deliberation among the jurors. 2. New Mexico Jury Instruction FUJI 14-110-R: Prohibition of Note-Taking: This variant of the instruction reiterates the prohibition of note-taking by jurors, but also provides additional guidance on what jurors should do if they inadvertently take notes or encounter situations where they need to reference specific details. It may instruct jurors on alerting the court if such situations arise and how they should handle such accidental note-taking instances. Overall, the New Mexico Jury Instruction Note-takingin— - Not Permitted is a crucial component of ensuring a fair trial. It prevents potential biases, encourages active listening, facilitates collective memory, and promotes equal participation among jurors. By adhering to this instruction, New Mexico juries can deliberate with fairness, objectivity, and a focus on the evidence presented, ultimately resulting in a just verdict.