Maryland Jury Instruction — 7.2 Duty To Deliberate When Both Plaintiff and Defendant Claim Damages or When Damages Are Not an Issue In Maryland, the jury instruction 7.2 addresses the duty of jurors to deliberate when both the plaintiff and defendant claim damages, or when damages are not an issue in the case. This instruction is crucial to ensuring a fair and just decision based on the evidence presented during the trial. When both the plaintiff and defendant claim damages, the jury plays a critical role in evaluating the credibility and strength of each party's claims. It is the duty of the jury members to carefully consider the evidence, witness testimonies, and any expert opinions provided throughout the trial. Their role is to deliberate and determine the extent of damages and liability borne by each party. During deliberations, jurors should weigh the evidence presented by the plaintiff and defendant, assessing the overall credibility and reliability of each claim. They should carefully analyze the facts, consider any inconsistencies in the testimony, and assess the persuasiveness of the arguments made by the parties and their legal representation. When damages are not in dispute, the jury's duty to deliberate remains essential. In such cases, jurors must conscientiously analyze the liability portion of the case and consider whether the defendant bears responsibility for the harm suffered by the plaintiff. The jury should evaluate the legal standards and instructions given by the judge and decide the degree of liability and any corresponding damages based on the evidence presented. There are no known variations or subtypes specifically identified under Maryland Jury Instruction 7.2. However, it should be noted that jury instructions can vary slightly depending on the circumstances and the judge's discretion in a particular case. Therefore, it is crucial for jurors to carefully listen and adhere to the specific instructions given by the presiding judge to ensure a fair and just deliberation process. In summary, Maryland Jury Instruction 7.2 outlines the duty of jurors to deliberate when both the plaintiff and defendant claim damages or when damages are not in dispute. Jurors play a fundamental role in evaluating the evidence, weighing the credibility of claims, and ultimately deciding the extent of liability and damages in the case based on their deliberations.