Nebraska Jury Instruction — 11.11.1, also known as the General Instruction, is a crucial component of the jury instructions given to jurors in Nebraska courtrooms. This instruction provides important guidance to the jury during a trial and ensures that they are aware of their duties and responsibilities. The purpose of Nebraska Jury Instruction — 11.11.1 is to inform the jury about the general principles of their role within the legal system. It emphasizes the importance of the jury's duty to reach a fair and impartial verdict based solely on the evidence presented in court and the instructions given by the judge. Some key points covered in this instruction include: 1. Presumption of innocence: The instruction reminds the jury that the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. It discourages the jurors from making any assumptions or drawing conclusions based on anything other than the evidence presented during the trial. 2. Burden of proof: Nebraska Jury Instruction — 11.11.1 explains that it is the prosecution's responsibility to prove the defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. It clarifies that the defendant does not have to prove their innocence and that the burden of proof remains solely with the prosecution throughout the trial. 3. Evaluation of evidence: The General Instruction guides the jury on how to assess the evidence presented during the trial. It emphasizes the importance of considering all the evidence, both direct and circumstantial, and making reasonable inferences based on that evidence. It also advises the jurors not to give more weight to one piece of evidence over another without justification. 4. Credibility of witnesses: This instruction addresses the credibility of witnesses and highlights the jurors' role in determining the truthfulness and reliability of witness testimony. It reminds the jury to consider the witnesses' demeanor, consistency, potential biases, and any corroborating or conflicting evidence when evaluating their credibility. 5. Limitations of the jury: The instruction informs the jurors of their limitations, such as not conducting their own independent investigations or considering anything other than the evidence presented in court. It also discourages the jury from discussing the case with anyone other than fellow jurors and warns against using personal experiences or biases to influence their decision-making process. Different types or variations of Nebraska Jury Instruction — 11.11.1, the General Instruction, may exist depending on the specific area of law or the type of trial involved. For example, there may be different instructions tailored for criminal trials, civil trials, or specific offense categories like homicide, theft, or assault. Each variation provides specific guidance relevant to the particular legal context but still upholds the general principles outlined in the instruction.