Oregon Jury Instruction - Preliminary Instructions Before Opening Statements - Long Form

• Category: Federal - Jury Instructions - Trial Instructions
• State: Multi-State
• Control #: US-11CRT-1-2
• Format: Word; Rich Text

Description

This form contains sample jury instructions, to be used across the United States. These questions are to be used only as a model, and should be altered to more perfectly fit your own cause of action needs. Oregon Jury Instruction — Preliminary Instructions Before Opening Statements — Long Form is a set of legal guidelines provided to the jurors by the judge before the commencement of a trial in Oregon courts. These instructions aim to inform the jury about its role, responsibilities, and the procedures to be followed during the trial. Here is a detailed description of the Oregon Jury Instruction — Preliminary Instructions Before Opening Statements — Long Form: 1. Purpose: The purpose of this long-form instruction is to familiarize the jury with the general process and expectations of the trial, ensuring an unbiased understanding of their role as jurors and the importance of their decision-making. 2. Introduction: The preliminary instructions begin by introducing the judge, legal teams, and the parties involved in the case. It stresses the importance of a fair and impartial trial, along with the jurors' crucial role in achieving justice. 3. Presumption of Innocence: The long form highlights the presumption of innocence, an essential principle in the criminal justice system. Jurors are instructed that the accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. 4. Burden of Proof: This instruction explains the burden of proof resting upon the prosecution, emphasizing that they must establish the defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Jurors are reminded not to substitute suspicion or speculation for evidence. 5. The Indictment or Complaint: The instruction covers the process by which the defendant has been charged and informs the jurors that the indictment or complaint is merely an accusation, which does not constitute evidence of guilt. 6. Credibility of Witnesses: This section educates the jurors about the importance of assessing witness credibility, evaluating their demeanor, consistency, and potential biases. 7. Types of Evidence: The long-form instruction outlines the different types of evidence allowable in court, including testimonial, documentary, and physical evidence, and provides guidelines on how to evaluate each type. 8. Expert Witnesses: If applicable, this section explains the role and qualifications of expert witnesses, who offer specialized knowledge to aid the jury's understanding of complex subjects. 9. Courtroom Decorum: The instruction emphasizes the jurors' obligations to treat all parties with fairness, avoiding discussions or personal research related to the case outside the courtroom. 10. Opening Statements: The long form explains the purpose of opening statements made by the attorneys, clarifying that they are not evidence but rather an overview of what each side intends to prove during the trial. 11. Jury Note-Taking and Note-Taking Materials: If permitted, this section covers the guidelines regarding jury note-taking, including the availability of note-taking materials and the restrictions on sharing notes during deliberations. 12. Final Reminders: The instruction concludes with reminders for jurors not to form any opinions until the evidence is presented, to keep an open mind, and to avoid media coverage or discussions about the case. Different variations of the Oregon Jury Instruction — Preliminary Instructions Before Opening Statements — Long Form may exist based on specific case types, court jurisdictions, or judge preferences. However, the main purpose and structure generally remain consistent in educating the jury about their responsibilities, the legal process, and essential principles for a fair trial.

Oregon Jury Instruction — Preliminary Instructions Before Opening Statements — Long Form is a set of legal guidelines provided to the jurors by the judge before the commencement of a trial in Oregon courts. These instructions aim to inform the jury about its role, responsibilities, and the procedures to be followed during the trial. Here is a detailed description of the Oregon Jury Instruction — Preliminary Instructions Before Opening Statements — Long Form: 1. Purpose: The purpose of this long-form instruction is to familiarize the jury with the general process and expectations of the trial, ensuring an unbiased understanding of their role as jurors and the importance of their decision-making. 2. Introduction: The preliminary instructions begin by introducing the judge, legal teams, and the parties involved in the case. It stresses the importance of a fair and impartial trial, along with the jurors' crucial role in achieving justice. 3. Presumption of Innocence: The long form highlights the presumption of innocence, an essential principle in the criminal justice system. Jurors are instructed that the accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. 4. Burden of Proof: This instruction explains the burden of proof resting upon the prosecution, emphasizing that they must establish the defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Jurors are reminded not to substitute suspicion or speculation for evidence. 5. The Indictment or Complaint: The instruction covers the process by which the defendant has been charged and informs the jurors that the indictment or complaint is merely an accusation, which does not constitute evidence of guilt. 6. Credibility of Witnesses: This section educates the jurors about the importance of assessing witness credibility, evaluating their demeanor, consistency, and potential biases. 7. Types of Evidence: The long-form instruction outlines the different types of evidence allowable in court, including testimonial, documentary, and physical evidence, and provides guidelines on how to evaluate each type. 8. Expert Witnesses: If applicable, this section explains the role and qualifications of expert witnesses, who offer specialized knowledge to aid the jury's understanding of complex subjects. 9. Courtroom Decorum: The instruction emphasizes the jurors' obligations to treat all parties with fairness, avoiding discussions or personal research related to the case outside the courtroom. 10. Opening Statements: The long form explains the purpose of opening statements made by the attorneys, clarifying that they are not evidence but rather an overview of what each side intends to prove during the trial. 11. Jury Note-Taking and Note-Taking Materials: If permitted, this section covers the guidelines regarding jury note-taking, including the availability of note-taking materials and the restrictions on sharing notes during deliberations. 12. Final Reminders: The instruction concludes with reminders for jurors not to form any opinions until the evidence is presented, to keep an open mind, and to avoid media coverage or discussions about the case. Different variations of the Oregon Jury Instruction — Preliminary Instructions Before Opening Statements — Long Form may exist based on specific case types, court jurisdictions, or judge preferences. However, the main purpose and structure generally remain consistent in educating the jury about their responsibilities, the legal process, and essential principles for a fair trial.