Maine Jury Instruction 7.7.1 General Instruction — Comparative Negligence Defense provides guidance to the jury regarding the application of comparative negligence in civil cases. This instruction is crucial in cases where the defendant claims that the plaintiff's negligence contributed to their own injuries or damages. Understanding and following this instruction is essential for the jury to make a fair and informed decision. Keywords: Maine, jury instruction, 7.7.1, general instruction, comparative negligence defense. In Maine, there are different types of Maine Jury Instruction 7.7.1 General Instruction — Comparative Negligence Defense that can be applied, depending on the specific circumstances of the case. Some of these variations may include: 1. Comparative Negligence — Standard Instruction: This instruction informs the jury that if they find both the plaintiff and the defendant were negligent and if the plaintiff's negligence contributed to their own injuries or damages, the jury must compare the negligence of each party and assign percentages of fault. 2. Pure Comparative Negligence — Modified Instruction: In some cases, Maine follows the pure comparative negligence system, where the plaintiff can recover damages even if their negligence is greater than the defendant's negligence. The jury instruction in these cases will provide specific guidance on how to determine the percentage of fault and calculate the damages accordingly. 3. Modified Comparative Negligence — 50% Rule Instruction: Under the modified comparative negligence system, Maine follows the 50% rule, which states that if the plaintiff's negligence is equal to or greater than 50%, they are barred from recovering any damages. The jury instruction in these cases will outline the criteria for determining the proportion of fault and clarifying its impact on the final outcome. 4. Joint and Several Liability instructions: Depending on the circumstances, Maine Jury Instruction 7.7.1 may also include instructions on joint and several liabilities. This concept applies when multiple defendants are found liable, and each defendant can be held responsible for the entire amount of damages awarded to the plaintiff. The instruction will guide the jury on how to allocate the damages among the defendants based on their respective degrees of fault. In conclusion, Maine Jury Instruction 7.7.1 General Instruction — Comparative Negligence Defense is a pivotal component of civil cases in Maine. It provides the jury with the necessary framework to assess the comparative negligence of both the plaintiff and the defendant and determine the appropriate allocation of fault and damages. Understanding the various types and nuances of this jury instruction is essential for all parties involved in the legal process.