The Virginia Jury Instruction — Preliminary Instructions Before Opening Statements — Short Form is an essential part of the legal proceedings in Virginia courts. These instructions are provided to jurors before the opening statements of the case and serve as a general guideline to help them understand their role and responsibilities during the trial. They ensure that jurors are aware of the basic principles of the legal system and how they should approach the upcoming proceedings. This short form of preliminary instructions provides a concise version of the essential information jurors need to know, allowing them to quickly grasp the key points before the trial begins. These instructions may vary slightly depending on the specific case and court, but they generally cover the following important aspects: 1. Impartiality: The instructions emphasize the importance of impartiality, reminding jurors that they should not have any preconceived notions or bias that may affect their judgment. They are expected to decide the case solely based on the evidence presented during the trial. 2. Presumption of Innocence: Jurors are reminded that the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. This fundamental principle ensures that jurors approach the case with a neutral stance and prevent any unfair assumptions or prejudices. 3. Burden of Proof: The instructions explain that the burden of proving the charges lies with the prosecution. They must prove the defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, which is a high standard of proof required in criminal cases. 4. Rules of Evidence: Jurors are informed about the rules of evidence that will be followed during the trial. These rules determine what evidence can be considered and what should be excluded. It ensures that only relevant and admissible evidence is presented before the jury. 5. Witness Credibility: Instructions may also touch upon the evaluation of witness credibility. Jurors are informed that they should assess the reliability and truthfulness of witnesses based on their demeanor, consistency, and ability to recall events accurately. It's worth noting that there may be different variations or versions of the Virginia Jury Instruction — Preliminary Instructions Before Opening Statements — Short Form, depending on the specific case, legal statutes involved, or the court preferences. However, the overall purpose remains consistent across these variations — to provide jurors with a foundational understanding of their role, the principles of the legal system, and the expectations they should uphold throughout the trial.