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.
Colorado Jury Instruction — Note-Taking – For Inclusion in Final Charge When Note-Taking Permitted In Colorado, jury instructions play a vital role in guiding jurors during a trial. One particular instruction that the court may provide to the jury is related to note-taking. Note-taking during a trial can help jurors remember important details and keep track of evidence and testimony, promoting a fair and accurate decision-making process. However, note-taking is subject to certain rules and limitations. Colorado recognizes different types of jury instructions related to note-taking, depending on the specific circumstances of a case. Here are a few notable ones: 1. General Note-Taking Instruction: In cases where the court allows note-taking, a common jury instruction includes guidelines on the process and purpose of note-taking. This instruction emphasizes the importance of impartiality, attentiveness, and the use of notes solely as an aid to memory. Jurors are reminded that the evidence and testimony should be evaluated collectively rather than relying on isolated notes. 2. Limited Note-Taking Instruction: When a case involves complex or technical matters, the court may issue a limited note-taking instruction. This instruction highlights the types of information jurors may take notes on, such as specific expert opinions, definitions, or key points from complicated testimony. It also reminds jurors to use their notes as reference aids only and not to place undue emphasis on any single piece of evidence. 3. No Note-Taking Instruction: In some situations, note-taking may be prohibited entirely. The court may issue a no note-taking instruction when there is potential for distraction, interference with the proceedings, or when the case involves sensitive or confidential information. Jurors are instructed to rely solely on their memory and attentiveness during these instances. Regardless of the type of instruction given, it is important for jurors to understand that note-taking is not mandatory. Some jurors may choose to take detailed notes during the trial, while others may opt to rely solely on their memory. It is the prerogative of each individual juror, and the court remains adamant about not evaluating the credibility of a juror's note-taking or lack thereof. In conclusion, the Colorado Jury Instruction on Note-Taking serves as a crucial guideline for jurors during a trial. It promotes an unbiased evaluation of evidence and testimony and provides structure to the note-taking process, ensuring a fair and thorough deliberation. Whether note-taking is permitted, limited, or prohibited, jurors are reminded of the significance of collective evaluation and using notes as supportive tools rather than determining factors in reaching a verdict.
Colorado Jury Instruction — Note-Taking – For Inclusion in Final Charge When Note-Taking Permitted In Colorado, jury instructions play a vital role in guiding jurors during a trial. One particular instruction that the court may provide to the jury is related to note-taking. Note-taking during a trial can help jurors remember important details and keep track of evidence and testimony, promoting a fair and accurate decision-making process. However, note-taking is subject to certain rules and limitations. Colorado recognizes different types of jury instructions related to note-taking, depending on the specific circumstances of a case. Here are a few notable ones: 1. General Note-Taking Instruction: In cases where the court allows note-taking, a common jury instruction includes guidelines on the process and purpose of note-taking. This instruction emphasizes the importance of impartiality, attentiveness, and the use of notes solely as an aid to memory. Jurors are reminded that the evidence and testimony should be evaluated collectively rather than relying on isolated notes. 2. Limited Note-Taking Instruction: When a case involves complex or technical matters, the court may issue a limited note-taking instruction. This instruction highlights the types of information jurors may take notes on, such as specific expert opinions, definitions, or key points from complicated testimony. It also reminds jurors to use their notes as reference aids only and not to place undue emphasis on any single piece of evidence. 3. No Note-Taking Instruction: In some situations, note-taking may be prohibited entirely. The court may issue a no note-taking instruction when there is potential for distraction, interference with the proceedings, or when the case involves sensitive or confidential information. Jurors are instructed to rely solely on their memory and attentiveness during these instances. Regardless of the type of instruction given, it is important for jurors to understand that note-taking is not mandatory. Some jurors may choose to take detailed notes during the trial, while others may opt to rely solely on their memory. It is the prerogative of each individual juror, and the court remains adamant about not evaluating the credibility of a juror's note-taking or lack thereof. In conclusion, the Colorado Jury Instruction on Note-Taking serves as a crucial guideline for jurors during a trial. It promotes an unbiased evaluation of evidence and testimony and provides structure to the note-taking process, ensuring a fair and thorough deliberation. Whether note-taking is permitted, limited, or prohibited, jurors are reminded of the significance of collective evaluation and using notes as supportive tools rather than determining factors in reaching a verdict.