Illinois Jury Instruction — Verdict is an essential component of the judicial process in the state of Illinois. These instructions play a crucial role in guiding jurors on their responsibilities and duties when determining the guilt or innocence of a defendant in a criminal trial or the liability or damages in a civil trial. In Illinois, there are several types of jury instructions related to verdicts that are regularly used in both criminal and civil cases. Some of these instructions include: 1. Illinois Criminal Jury Instruction — Verdict Forms: These instructions provide specific guidance to the jury regarding the elements of the crime charged and the appropriate verdict forms they should use to indicate their decision. These forms often include options such as "guilty," "not guilty," or "guilty but mentally ill," depending on the circumstances of the case. 2. Illinois Civil Jury Instruction — Verdict Forms: These instructions serve a similar purpose to their criminal counterparts but are used in civil cases. They provide jurors with guidance on the elements of the civil claim and the proper verdict forms to indicate liability or award compensatory and punitive damages if applicable. 3. Illinois Pattern Jury Instructions (IPI): IPI is a set of standardized instructions that cover a wide range of legal issues and are commonly used by judges in Illinois. These instructions help jurors understand the relevant law and apply it to the facts presented during the trial. IPI includes specific instructions on verdict forms tailored to different types of cases, ensuring consistency and accuracy in the jury's decision-making process. 4. Illinois Criminal Jury Instruction — Special Verdict Forms: In certain complex criminal cases, the court may utilize special verdict forms to ask the jury more specific questions about the defendant's guilt or innocence or any relevant factors for sentencing purposes. These instructions ensure that the jury's decision is based on a comprehensive evaluation of the evidence and legal standards. Overall, Illinois Jury Instruction — Verdicts are critical in ensuring that jurors have a clear understanding of their role, the applicable law, and the specific forms they should use when rendering their verdicts. These instructions aim to promote fairness, accuracy, and consistency in the jury's decision-making process and contribute to the overall integrity of the Illinois judicial system.