North Dakota Jury Instruction — 6.6.1 GeneraInstructionio— - Comparative Negligence Defense is a legal instruction provided to the jury in a civil case involving claims of negligence. This instruction informs the jury about the concept of comparative negligence and how it impacts the determination of liability and damages in a lawsuit. When a plaintiff alleges negligence against a defendant, the defendant can raise the defense of comparative negligence. Comparative negligence is a legal doctrine that allows the jury to allocate fault between the plaintiff and defendant in determining liability for the harm suffered. Under this doctrine, the jury assesses the degree to which each party's negligent actions contributed to the injury. The North Dakota Jury Instruction — 6.6.1 GeneraInstructionio— - Comparative Negligence Defense is crucial in educating the jury about the principles of comparative negligence. It guides them in evaluating the evidence and determining the proportion of fault attributed to the plaintiff and the defendant(s). This instruction typically covers the following key points: 1. Explanation of Comparative Negligence: The instruction provides a comprehensive definition of comparative negligence, emphasizing that it is a defense raised by the defendant to mitigate their liability. 2. Allocation of Percentages: The jury is instructed to assign a percentage of fault to each party involved, including the plaintiff, the defendant(s), and any other potential negligent parties. The sum of these percentages should reach 100%. 3. Effect on Recovery: The instruction clarifies that the plaintiff's recovery of damages will be diminished in proportion to their assigned percentage of fault. For instance, if the jury determines the plaintiff to be 20% at fault, their damages will be reduced by that percentage. 4. Burden of Proof: The instruction also outlines the burden of proof for establishing comparative negligence. The defendant(s) must demonstrate that the plaintiff's negligence contributed to the harm sustained, and the percentage of fault assigned to the plaintiff must be supported by the evidence presented during the trial. 5. Applicable Law: The instruction may also incorporate specific North Dakota laws or legal precedents related to comparative negligence. These laws help define the standards and guidelines for determining liability and damages in cases involving this defense. It is important to note that while this description broadly covers the content of North Dakota Jury Instruction — 6.6.1 GeneraInstructionio— - Comparative Negligence Defense, the specific language and variations may differ based on the details of the particular case and the updates in the law. It is always crucial to consult the latest versions of the jury instructions and seek professional legal advice to ensure accurate application in a given lawsuit.