Florida Jury Instruction — Preliminary Instructions Before Opening Statements — Long Form is a set of instructions provided to the jury by the judge at the beginning of a trial in the state of Florida. These instructions serve as a guide for jurors to understand their role and responsibilities throughout the trial process. Keywords: Florida jury instruction, preliminary instructions, opening statements, long form, trial process, jury responsibilities. There are various types of Florida Jury Instruction — Preliminary Instructions Before Opening Statements — Long Form, which include: 1. General Preliminary Instructions: These instructions outline the basic principles of a fair trial and the jury's duty to reach a verdict based solely on the evidence presented during the trial. 2. Presumption of Innocence: This instruction emphasizes that the defendant is considered innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Jurors are reminded not to make any assumptions or let biases affect their decision-making process. 3. Burden of Proof: This instruction explains that the burden of proof lies with the prosecution, who must present sufficient evidence to convince the jury of the defendant's guilt. The jurors are instructed to carefully evaluate the evidence and determine if it meets the required burden. 4. Credibility of Witnesses: This instruction educates jurors about the importance of assessing a witness's credibility when considering their testimony. Jurors are urged to consider factors such as witness demeanor, consistency, and potential biases when evaluating their believability. 5. Expert Witnesses: Jurors are provided instructions on how to evaluate expert witnesses' opinions and the weight that should be given to their testimony. They are advised to consider the expert's qualifications, methodology, and limitations before accepting their conclusions. 6. Opening Statements: This instruction specifically focuses on the purpose and nature of opening statements made by attorneys. Jurors are informed that opening statements are not evidence but are meant to provide an overview of the case and the arguments they plan to present. 7. Note-Taking: The judge may provide instructions regarding the jury's ability to take notes during the trial. They may outline the benefits and limitations of note-taking while ensuring jurors understand that reliance on personal notes should not overshadow their overall assessment of the evidence. Overall, Florida Jury Instruction — Preliminary Instructions Before Opening Statements — Long Form aims to ensure that jurors have a clear understanding of their role, the legal principles involved, and their obligation to listen attentively, evaluate evidence impartially, and render a fair and just verdict.