Hawaii Jury Instruction — Preliminary Instructions Before Opening Statements — Short Form is a legal document provided to jurors before the start of a trial in Hawaii. It serves as a guideline to inform jurors about their role, the legal process, and the expectations during the trial. The purpose of the Hawaii Jury Instruction — Preliminary Instructions Before Opening Statements — Short Form is to provide jurors with relevant information and set the stage for the trial proceedings. These instructions are designed to ensure that jurors have a basic understanding of their responsibilities and the legal principles that will guide their decision-making process. The exact content of the Hawaii Jury Instruction — Preliminary Instructions Before Opening Statements — Short Form may vary, depending on the specific case. However, some common elements include: 1. Introduction: The instruction starts with a general introduction, welcoming the jurors and thanking them for their service. It emphasizes the importance of their role in the justice system. 2. Presumption of Innocence: The instruction emphasizes the principle of "presumption of innocence" and explains that the defendant is considered innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. 3. Burden of Proof: Jurors are informed that the burden of proof lies with the prosecution, and they must be convinced of the defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt to render a guilty verdict. 4. Jury Independence: The instruction highlights the importance of jurors' independence and impartiality. Jurors are instructed not to conduct their own research or discuss the case with others during the trial. 5. Jury's Role: Jurors are informed that their responsibility is to listen to the evidence presented and determine the facts of the case based on their own judgment. 6. Order of Proceedings: The instruction outlines the order in which the trial will proceed, including opening statements, presentation of evidence, witness testimony, and closing arguments. Other types of Hawaii Jury Instruction — Preliminary Instructions Before Opening Statements may include: 1. Long Form: A more detailed version of the short form, providing additional information and legal principles relevant to the specific case. 2. Modified Jury Instruction: In some cases, the judge may modify the standard preliminary instructions to address unique circumstances or legal issues specific to the case. 3. Final Instructions: Once the trial concludes, the judge will provide the jury with final instructions, which guide their deliberations and determine the verdict. In conclusion, the Hawaii Jury Instruction — Preliminary Instructions Before Opening Statements — Short Form is a crucial document that provides jurors with essential information before the trial starts. It ensures they have a clear understanding of their role, the legal process, and the fundamental principles they must consider during their deliberations. Judges may use various types of preliminary instructions depending on the needs of the case.