Utah Jury Instruction — 2.3 Consideration Of The Evidence Duty To Follow Instructions Governmental Entity Or Agency Involved In Utah, when jurors are presented with a case involving a governmental entity or agency, they have a specific duty to carefully consider the evidence presented to them and follow the instructions provided by the court. This duty is crucial to ensure a fair and just outcome for all parties involved. Jurors must understand that their role is to fairly evaluate the evidence and apply the law as instructed by the court. In cases involving a governmental entity or agency, this duty becomes even more important as the decisions made can have significant consequences on society as a whole. The purpose of this jury instruction, Utah Jury Instruction — 2.3, is to remind jurors of their obligation to diligently consider the evidence and apply the law accurately. By doing so, jurors help ensure that the interests of the governmental entity or agency are fairly represented, while also safeguarding the rights of the other parties involved. Key elements to consider in this instruction: 1. Duty to carefully evaluate the evidence: Jurors must attentively review all the evidence presented during the trial, including testimonies, exhibits, and expert opinions. They should consider the credibility and reliability of each piece of evidence before making their decisions. 2. Adhering to the court's instructions: Jurors must follow the court's instructions regarding the applicable law, burden of proof, and legal principles relevant to the case. These instructions provide jurors with the necessary guidance to make informed decisions based on the law. 3. Impartiality: Jurors should maintain impartiality throughout the trial, setting aside any personal biases or preconceived notions. Evaluating the evidence objectively and without favoritism is crucial to ensure a fair and just outcome. 4. Balancing interests: When a governmental entity or agency is involved, jurors should consider the potential impact of their decisions on the entity's functions, responsibilities, and the public interest. However, their primary focus should be on the evidence and the law rather than any potential public consequences. Different types of Utah Jury Instruction — 2.3 Consideration Of The Evidence Duty To Follow Instructions Governmental Entity Or Agency Involved: 1. Civil cases involving governmental entities: This instruction applies to civil cases where a governmental entity or agency is a party. It outlines the specific duty of jurors to fairly evaluate the evidence and follow the court's instructions to ensure a just outcome. 2. Criminal cases involving governmental entities: In criminal cases where a governmental entity or agency is involved, this instruction directs jurors to consider the evidence in light of the specific charges and legal standards, while still acknowledging the agency's interests and the importance of following instructions. In summary, Utah Jury Instruction — 2.3 reminds jurors of their duty to consider the evidence and follow the court's instructions when a governmental entity or agency is involved in a case. This instruction is crucial to ensuring an impartial and fair adjudication that considers the interests of all parties involved, while upholding the principles of justice and the law.