If a question of paternity of a child is raised, the parties have a right to submit that question to a jury for determination. Therefore, the issue is whether or not defendant is the father of this child. The question of the amount of support for the child or the mother is not for the jury's consideration.
Nevada Instruction to Jury in a Paternity Case: The Amount of Support is not a Question for the Jury In a paternity case in Nevada, it is important to understand that the amount of support is not a question for the jury. While the jury is responsible for determining paternity and other relevant issues, such as custody and visitation, the determination of child support amount falls under the jurisdiction of the court. The specific instruction given to the jury to notify them that the amount of support is not within their purview may vary slightly depending on the court where the case is being heard. However, the general essence of the instruction remains the same — the jury must focus on factual evidence and determine the biological relationship between the alleged father and the child. By instructing the jury that the amount of support is not a question for them, the court ensures that the legal guidelines and calculations established by Nevada law are followed. These guidelines are designed to ensure fairness and consistency in determining the financial responsibility of each parent towards the child. Types of Nevada Instruction to Jury in a Paternity Case: Amount of Support Although the instruction regarding the amount of support may not have numerous variations, it is essential to know the distinction between instructions related to the determination of paternity and those concerning support. Based on this, the following instructions may be relevant: 1. Nevada Instruction to Jury in a Paternity Case: Determination of Paternity — This instruction provides guidance to the jury on how to examine the evidence presented and determine whether the alleged father is biologically related to the child. It emphasizes the need for factual evidence, including DNA tests, witness testimonies, and any other relevant information. 2. Nevada Instruction to Jury in a Paternity Case: Support Determination — This instruction emphasizes to the jury that their role does not extend to calculating or determining the amount of child support. It educates the members of the jury that it is the responsibility of the court to consider various factors, such as income, expenses, and the Nevada Child Support Guidelines, in order to make an appropriate determination. By separating these instructions, the court ensures that the jury understands the distinctions between their responsibilities regarding paternity determination and the subsequent determination of child support. This approach helps maintain clarity and can potentially reduce confusion during the trial. In summary, the Nevada Instruction to Jury in a Paternity Case specifically addresses the role of the jury regarding child support determination. While variations may exist, the core instruction relates to the understanding that the amount of support is not within the jury's authority. This ensures that the jury focuses on determining paternity accurately while allowing the court to make informed decisions regarding financial support based on established guidelines and individual circumstances.
