Kansas Jury Instruction — Preliminary Instructions Before Opening Statements — Long Form is a crucial document provided by the court to guide jurors' understanding of the trial process and their role in reaching a fair decision. These instructions are typically read to the jurors at the beginning of the trial, aiming to provide them with essential information and ensure their impartiality and comprehension of the legal proceedings. The Kansas Judicial Branch recognizes the significance of this preliminary instruction and offers various types of long-form instructions tailored to specific circumstances. Some examples of different types of Kansas Jury Instruction — Preliminary Instructions Before Opening Statements — Long Form include: 1. Criminal Trials: This type of instruction applies to criminal cases where the defendant is charged with an offense. It educates the jurors on the presumption of innocence, the burden of proof placed on the prosecution, and the requirement to base their decision solely on the evidence presented at trial. 2. Civil Trials: This instruction pertains to civil cases, typically involving disputes between two parties seeking compensation or resolution of a legal matter. It outlines the standard of proof required in civil trials, which is a preponderance of the evidence, meaning that the party with the strongest evidence supporting their claim should prevail. 3. Medical Malpractice Cases: Often, medical malpractice cases involve complex medical concepts and terminologies. In such instances, this type of long-form instruction provides jurors with additional guidance on understanding medical evidence and testimony. It ensures that jurors can make informed decisions by comprehending the medical aspects crucial to the case. 4. Negligence Cases: Negligence cases involve determining whether an individual's actions or failure to act responsibly resulted in injury or harm to another person. This instruction explicitly outlines the elements of negligence and the required standard of care owed by the defendant. Jurors are informed of the importance of considering whether the defendant breached their duty of care, and if so, whether that breach caused the plaintiff's injuries. Each of these types of long-form instructions serves a critical purpose, ensuring jurors have a comprehensive understanding of the applicable legal principles, standards of proof, and their responsibilities during the trial. By equipping jurors with the necessary knowledge, the Kansas Judicial Branch aims to maintain fairness, objectivity, and consistency in the trial process.