Mississippi Jury Instruction — 1.1 Comparative Negligence Defense is an essential component of the legal system in Mississippi. This jury instruction serves as a set of guidelines for judges to provide to juries during a trial, specifically when there is a claim of comparative negligence raised by the defense. Keywords: — Mississippi Jury Instruction: This refers to the specific set of instructions given to the jury in Mississippi courts. — Comparative Negligence Defense: Comparative negligence is a legal doctrine that allows for the allocation of fault between multiple parties in a personal injury case. This defense is typically raised by the defendant to minimize their liability. Description: Mississippi Jury Instruction — 1.1 Comparative Negligence Defense outlines the rules and principles that govern the application of comparative negligence in civil cases. It provides guidance to the jury on how to assess and allocate fault among the parties involved in a lawsuit, particularly in personal injury or tort cases. The purpose of this instruction is to ensure that the jury understands the concept of comparative negligence and its impact on determining liability and damages. It aims to inform the jury that even if the plaintiff was partially responsible for their own injuries, they may still be entitled to recover damages, albeit reduced. The instruction may vary depending on the specific circumstances and the form of comparative negligence adopted in the particular case. Although the exact content may differ, most Mississippi Jury Instruction — 1.1 Comparative Negligence Defense will cover the following key points: 1. Definition of Comparative Negligence: The instruction will explain the concept of comparative negligence, which involves apportioning fault between the plaintiff and the defendant based on their respective degrees of negligence. 2. Allocation of Fault: The instruction will guide the jury on how to determine the percentage of fault assigned to each party involved. It will emphasize the importance of analyzing the actions or omissions of each party that contributed to the injury or damages. 3. Impact on Damages: The instruction will clarify that the percentage of fault attributed to the plaintiff will reduce the total amount of damages they can recover. The jury will be instructed to calculate the damages available to the plaintiff accordingly by reducing the total award by the plaintiff's percentage of fault. 4. Burden of Proof: The instruction will remind the jury that the burden of proof lies with the plaintiff to establish the defendant's negligence and the extent of their own damages. The defendant should then present evidence to support their assertion of comparative negligence. 5. Comparative Negligence Standard: The instruction may also elaborate on the specific standard of comparative negligence applied in Mississippi, which could be "pure comparative negligence" or "modified comparative negligence." 6. Jury Deliberations: Finally, the instruction will emphasize that the jury should deliberate and determine the allocation of fault based solely on the evidence presented during the trial and in accordance with the law as explained by the court. Different types of Mississippi Jury Instruction — 1.1 Comparative Negligence Defense may exist, depending on the nuances of the case law, the type of injury, and the specific circumstances at hand. It is crucial for legal professionals in Mississippi to understand and utilize the most relevant jury instruction based on the particular case they are presenting or defending.