Puerto Rico Jury Instruction — Preliminary Instructions Before Opening Statements — Long Form is a set of guidelines provided to jurors before opening statements. These instructions are designed to acquaint jurors with their responsibilities and set the stage for a fair trial process. There are various types of Puerto Rico Jury Instruction — Preliminary Instructions Before Opening Statements — Long Form that may be used depending on the jurisdiction and specific case. Some common types include: 1. Criminal Cases: In criminal cases, this long-form instruction is crucial in ensuring that jurors understand the presumption of innocence, the burden of proof lying with the prosecution, and the importance of impartiality. It may also highlight specific legal elements involved in the case, such as the definition of a crime or the requirement for intent. 2. Civil Cases: For civil cases, these instructions emphasize the need for jurors to listen attentively to both parties' opening statements and maintain an open mind throughout the trial. They may explain the concept of preponderance of evidence, where the plaintiff must prove their case by a greater weight of evidence than the opposing party. 3. Personal Injury Cases: In personal injury cases, the Puerto Rico Jury Instruction — Preliminary Instructions Before Opening Statements — Long Form may include instructions regarding negligence, causation, and damages. These guidelines help jurors understand the specific legal principles that apply to personal injury claims and assess the evidence presented accordingly. 4. Commercial Cases: In complex commercial litigation, the preliminary instructions aim to familiarize jurors with the industry-specific terminology, concepts, and legal standards that will arise during the trial. Instructions may cover breach of contract, fiduciary duty, trade secrets, or other relevant commercial law doctrines. 5. Medical Malpractice Cases: For medical malpractice cases, the instructions may outline the duty of care owed by healthcare providers and the standard of care expected of them. They may explain the role of expert testimony in assessing and establishing negligence, especially in cases involving complex medical procedures or specialized practices. 6. Intellectual Property Cases: In cases involving intellectual property disputes, such as patent, copyright, or trademark infringement, the preliminary instructions may explain the basic principles of intellectual property law. They may guide jurors in understanding the elements necessary to establish infringement and the importance of considering the scope of protection afforded to different forms of intellectual property. Overall, Puerto Rico Jury Instruction — Preliminary Instructions Before Opening Statements — Long Form serves as an essential tool for ensuring that jurors comprehend their role, understand the relevant legal concepts, and approach the trial with impartiality. The specific content and emphasis may vary depending on the type of case at hand, but the overarching goal remains the same; to promote a fair and informed jury trial.