Montana Jury Instruction — Preliminary Instructions Before Opening Statements — Long Form is a set of guidelines provided to the jury before the start of a trial in Montana. These instructions aim to ensure that jurors understand their role and responsibilities during the trial process. Keywords: Montana, jury instruction, preliminary instructions, opening statements, long form These preliminary instructions can be categorized into different types based on the specific focus or subject they address. Some distinct types of Montana Jury Instruction — Preliminary Instructions Before Opening Statements — Long Form include: 1. General Introductory Instructions: These instructions provide a general overview of the trial process, explaining the roles of the jury, the judge, the attorneys, and other key participants. Jurors are informed about the importance of their impartiality and their duty to listen carefully to the evidence presented. 2. Presumption of Innocence: This type of preliminary instruction emphasizes the fundamental principle in criminal cases that the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Jurors are reminded not to make any bias judgments before they have heard all the evidence. 3. Burden of Proof: These instructions inform the jury about the burden of proof, which lies with the prosecution in criminal cases or the party bringing a claim in civil cases. Jurors are instructed that the burden to prove guilt or liability rests on the prosecutor or plaintiff and not the defendant or respondent. 4. Elements of the Offense or Claim: In this type of instruction, the elements of the offense or claim are outlined. Jurors are introduced to the specific legal elements or factors that need to be established to prove the guilt of the defendant or liability in a civil case. 5. Credibility and Witness Testimony: Instructions related to credibility and witness testimony guide the jury on how to evaluate the witnesses' credibility, demeanor, and consistency. Jurors are instructed to consider factors such as witness bias, demeanor, and corroboration to determine the weight of the testimony. 6. Judicial Instructions on the Law: These instructions provide legal guidance to the jury about the relevant laws and legal principles applicable to the case. Jurors are informed about the legal standards, definitions, and rules they must follow when evaluating the evidence and reaching a verdict. The purpose of Montana Jury Instruction — Preliminary Instructions Before Opening Statements — Long Form is to ensure that jurors have a clear understanding of their role and the legal framework of the trial. These instructions help foster a fair and impartial trial process by providing jurors with the necessary knowledge and guidance to make informed decisions.