The Minnesota Jury Instruction — 6.6.1 GeneraInstructionio— - Comparative Negligence Defense is an essential part of the legal system in Minnesota. This instruction provides guidance to the jury in cases where the defense of comparative negligence is being argued. Comparative negligence is a legal doctrine that allows the jury to assign a percentage of fault to both the plaintiff and the defendant in a personal injury case, based on their respective degrees of fault in causing the injury or damages. In cases involving comparative negligence, the Minnesota Jury Instruction — 6.6.1 General Instruction helps the jury understand their role in determining the proportionate responsibility of each party involved. It emphasizes the importance of carefully evaluating the evidence presented and making a fair and reasonable assessment of the parties' respective negligence. The instruction highlights the key elements of the comparative negligence defense, such as: 1. Explanation of Comparative Negligence: The instruction clarifies the concept of comparative negligence, informing the jury that it is a defense that allows both parties to share responsibility for the damages according to their degree of fault. 2. Standard of Proof: It outlines the standard of proof required for establishing comparative negligence. The jury must find that the plaintiff's negligence contributed to the damages sustained, and that the defendant was also negligent. 3. Burden of Proof: The instruction discusses the burden of proof for both the plaintiff and the defendant. The plaintiff must demonstrate the defendant's negligence, while the defendant has the responsibility to establish the plaintiff's negligence contributing to the damages. 4. Evaluation of Negligence Percentages: It guides the jury in assessing the negligence percentages of each party involved. The instruction emphasizes the need for comparative negligence to be determined in percentage form, based on the evidence and testimony presented during the trial. In addition to the general instruction, it is important to note that there may be different types of Minnesota Jury Instruction — 6.6.1 GeneraInstructionio— - Comparative Negligence Defense, depending on the specific nature of the case. These variations could include instructions tailored to different types of personal injury cases, such as motor vehicle accidents, premises liability, medical malpractice, or product liability. Each variation would provide additional guidance relevant to the particular circumstances of the case at hand. Overall, the Minnesota Jury Instruction — 6.6.1 GeneraInstructionio— - Comparative Negligence Defense serves as a crucial tool in helping the jury navigate complex legal concepts and make informed decisions in personal injury cases. By outlining the essential elements and guidelines, it ensures a fair and equitable assessment of negligence percentages, allowing for a just resolution of the case.