Washington 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.

Washington Jury Instruction Note-takingin— - Not Permitted refers to a set of guidelines provided by the court to jurors in Washington State, which specifically prohibits the act of taking notes during a trial or deliberations. This instruction aims to maintain the integrity of the jury process and ensure a fair trial. In Washington State, the court recognizes the potential biases and distractions that note-taking may introduce into the jury deliberation process. By disallowing jurors from taking notes, the court seeks to prevent any undue emphasis on certain pieces of evidence or witness testimony that could sway the verdict, ultimately compromising the fairness of the trial. By prohibiting note-taking, the court also aims to foster active engagement and critical listening skills among jurors. It is believed that relying solely on memory rather than personal notes encourages jurors to pay closer attention to the details presented, ensuring a more accurate comprehension and interpretation of the evidence. Different types or variations of Washington Jury Instruction Note-takingin— - Not Permitted may include instructions for specific types of trials, such as criminal or civil cases, as well as guidelines for both preliminary hearings and full trials. These variations arise from the need to cater to the unique requirements and procedures of different legal contexts. In criminal cases, Washington Jury Instruction Note-takingin— - Not Permitted helps safeguard the rights of defendants, as it prevents potential bias that might arise from jurors referencing their own notes, possibly containing misinformation or selectively focusing on certain aspects of the trial. This instruction underscores the importance of relying solely on the evidence presented in court. Similarly, in civil cases, Washington Jury Instruction Note-takingin— - Not Permitted serves to maintain the impartiality of jurors and prevent any unintentional influence on the final decision-making process. It ensures that the verdict is solely informed by the evidence, arguments, and instructions provided by the judge. Overall, Washington Jury Instruction Note-takingin— - Not Permitted is an essential component of the jury system in Washington State, designed to uphold fairness, prevent bias, and encourage attentive listening skills among jurors. It underscores the importance of relying on memory rather than personal notes, ensuring a just and accurate trial verdict.