Guam Jury Instruction Note-takingin— - For Inclusion in Final Charge When Note-Taking Permitted: When it comes to the legal proceedings in Guam, jury instructions play a crucial role in guiding the jury's decision-making process. One such instruction pertains to note-taking during the trial. Note-taking can be a helpful tool for jurors to ensure accurate recollection of the presented evidence and key points throughout the trial. Note-taking during a trial can provide jurors with a comprehensive record to refer back to during deliberations. However, it is important to outline the circumstances under which note-taking is permitted to maintain fairness and equality among jurors. The following are some possible types of Guam jury instructions on note-taking that could be included in the final charge: 1. General Note-Taking Instruction: This instruction allows jurors to take notes during the trial proceedings. It emphasizes the importance of accurately recording information relevant to the case and reminds jurors that their notes should not be given more weight than their memory or the collective memory of the jury. 2. Limited Note-Taking Instruction: In some cases, the court may impose certain limitations on note-taking. This instruction would outline the specific limitations, such as only allowing notes to be taken during certain portions of the trial or regarding certain aspects of the evidence. It would also emphasize that jurors should not form conclusions based solely on their notes but instead consider the totality of the evidence presented. 3. No Note-Taking Instruction: In certain situations, the court may decide that no note-taking will be allowed. This could be due to the complexity of the case, concerns over potential distractions caused by note-taking, or the potential for undue weight being given to notes over other forms of evidence. This instruction would inform jurors that note-taking is not permitted and would remind them to rely solely on their memory and the collective recollection of the jury. 4. Jury Note Review Instruction: This instruction would address the process of reviewing jurors' notes during deliberations. It would instruct jurors on the proper use of their notes, emphasizing that they are meant to aid memory, not replace it. Furthermore, it would guide jurors on considering the relevance and accuracy of their notes when discussing the evidence with fellow jurors. In conclusion, these various Guam jury instructions on note-taking serve to ensure a fair and equitable trial process. They aim to balance the benefits of note-taking with the potential drawbacks, guiding jurors to rely on their collective memory and the evidence presented. The specific type of note-taking instruction applied will depend on the unique circumstances and complexities of each individual case.