North Dakota Jury Instruction — Preliminary Instructions Before Opening Statements — Long Form provides crucial guidance to juries at the beginning of a trial. These preliminary instructions set the stage for understanding the legal process, the role of the jury, and the standards they must consider during the trial. This instruction helps jurors form a solid foundation of knowledge before they hear the opening statements from the prosecution and defense. The North Dakota Judicial Branch has developed various types of long-form preliminary instructions specifically tailored to different types of cases. Some examples include: 1. North Dakota Jury Instruction — Preliminary Instructions Before Opening Statements — Long Form (Criminal Cases): This instruction applies to criminal trials, where the jury must be informed about the presumption of innocence, burden of proof, and the requirement to consider evidence impartially. It also outlines the elements of the crime charged and emphasizes the need for the jury to remain objective throughout the proceedings. 2. North Dakota Jury Instruction — Preliminary Instructions Before Opening Statements — Long Form (Civil Cases): This instruction is used in civil trials, which involve disputes between two parties. It provides an overview of the legal standards applicable to civil cases, such as the preponderance of evidence, duty of care, and potential damages. Jurors are also informed about their duty to disregard any personal biases or opinions. 3. North Dakota Jury Instruction — Preliminary Instructions Before Opening Statements — Long Form (Wrongful Death Cases): This specific instruction addresses cases involving wrongful death, which typically arise from accidents or negligence causing a person's untimely demise. Jurors receive information about the legal elements required to establish a wrongful death claim, such as negligence, causation, and damages. 4. North Dakota Jury Instruction — Preliminary Instructions Before Opening Statements — Long Form (Product Liability Cases): This instruction specifically deals with product liability cases, where jurors must assess if a defective product caused harm to the plaintiff. It explains the concept of strict liability, design defects, manufacturing defects, and failure to warn, providing jurors with the necessary legal framework to evaluate the evidence. Effective preliminary instructions are essential for juries to comprehend the legal principles and properly assess the evidence presented during the trial. By adhering to the North Dakota Jury Instruction — Preliminary Instructions Before Opening Statements — Long Form, juries can approach the subsequent phases of the trial with a comprehensive understanding of their duties and the legal considerations unique to their case.