District of Columbia Jury Instruction — 7.2 Duty To Deliberate When Both Plaintiff and Defendant Claim Damages or When Damages Are Not an Issue In the District of Columbia, when both the plaintiff and the defendant in a civil trial claim damages or when damages are not an issue, the jury has a duty to deliberate. This jury instruction is designed to ensure that the jury considers all relevant evidence presented during the trial and makes a fair and unbiased decision. When both the plaintiff and the defendant claim damages, it means that both parties are seeking compensation for alleged harm or losses suffered. In such cases, the jury must carefully assess the evidence presented by both sides and determine the credibility and validity of each claim. The jury should also consider any evidence that supports or contradicts the parties' claims and evaluate the damages sought by each party. On the other hand, when damages are not an issue, it means that the amount of compensation to be awarded is already determined, and the only task for the jury is to decide liability. In such cases, the jury must focus solely on the evidence relating to liability and disregard any discussion or consideration of damages. The District of Columbia recognizes the importance of jury deliberation in reaching a just and fair verdict. When both parties claim damages or when damages are not an issue, the jury should hold detailed and thorough discussions to evaluate the evidence, assess the credibility of witnesses, and analyze the legal instructions provided by the court. Different types of District of Columbia Jury Instruction — 7.2 Duty To Deliberate When Both Plaintiff and Defendant Claim Damages or When Damages Are Not an Issue may include variations in wording or emphasis, depending on the specific circumstances of the case. However, the core principle remains the same: the jury has a responsibility to fully deliberate, consider all relevant evidence, and make a well-reasoned decision in accordance with the law. In conclusion, the District of Columbia Jury Instruction — 7.2 Duty To Deliberate When Both Plaintiff and Defendant Claim Damages or When Damages Are Not an Issue serves as a reminder to the jury of their duty to deliberate in cases where both parties seek damages or when damages are not in dispute. This instruction seeks to ensure a fair and impartial verdict by encouraging thorough examination of the evidence and careful consideration of the legal principles involved.