Michigan Jury Instruction — 7.2 Duty To Deliberate When Both Plaintiff and Defendant Claim Damages or When Damages Are Not an Issue is an essential instruction given to a jury during a trial in Michigan when both the plaintiff and defendant are claiming damages or when damages are not an issue. In cases where both parties are seeking damages, the jury is instructed on their duty to carefully deliberate and assess the evidence presented by both sides. They must analyze the arguments, testimonies, and any other relevant evidence to determine the extent of the damages suffered by each party. The jury's responsibility here is to objectively evaluate the evidence and come to a fair decision based on the facts presented. When damages are not an issue in a case, this instruction emphasizes that the jury should not focus their deliberations solely on the amount of damages, but rather on the liability and fault of the parties involved. The jury's role is to determine if the defendant is liable for the plaintiff's injuries, negligence, or any other wrongdoing, regardless of the extent of damages claimed. By providing this instruction, the court ensures that the jury understands its duty to impartially examine the evidence, consider the relevant legal principles, and come to a reasoned decision. It reminds the jury not to be unduly swayed by emotional appeals or distractions that may divert their attention from the core issues at hand. Different types of similar instructions may be given depending on the specific circumstances of the case. These variations may arise when there are multiple plaintiffs or defendants, when the damages claimed are of different types (e.g., economic damages, non-economic damages), or when there are additional legal complexities involved. However, Michigan Jury Instruction — 7.2 generally covers the core principles of the duty to deliberate when both plaintiff and defendant claim damages or when damages are not an issue. Overall, this instruction plays a crucial role in guiding the jury during their deliberations, ensuring that they remain focused on the central issues of the case and reach a fair verdict based on the evidence presented rather than being unduly influenced by the damages claimed.