Puerto Rico Jury Instruction — 1.2 With Counterclaim By Defendant In legal proceedings in Puerto Rico, the Puerto Rico Jury Instruction — 1.2 With Counterclaim By Defendant plays a vital role in guiding the jury through the trial process. This instruction provides specific guidance to juries in cases where defendants not only defend against the plaintiff's claims but also file a counterclaim against the plaintiff. The purpose of this Puerto Rico Jury Instruction is to explain to the jurors the nature and significance of the counterclaim filed by the defendant. It aims to ensure that the jury understands the defendant's rights and the potential impact of the counterclaim on the overall outcome of the trial. The Puerto Rico Jury Instruction — 1.2 With Counterclaim By Defendant typically covers the following key elements: 1. Introduction: The instruction begins with a brief introduction to inform the jury that the defendant has filed a counterclaim in addition to defending against the plaintiff's claims. It stresses the importance of considering both the plaintiff's claims and the defendant's counterclaim in reaching a fair and impartial verdict. 2. Explanation of Counterclaim: The instruction elaborates on the nature of a counterclaim, emphasizing that it is a separate legal claim made by the defendant against the plaintiff. It clarifies that the defendant is not merely on the defensive but also has affirmative rights and remedies available as a counterclaim ant. 3. Plaintiff's Burden of Proof: The instruction reminds the jury that the plaintiff has the burden of proof to establish their claims against the defendant by a preponderance of the evidence. It emphasizes that the plaintiff's failure to satisfy this burden does not automatically validate the defendant's counterclaim. 4. Assessment of Counterclaim: The instruction provides guidance on how the jury should evaluate the defendant's counterclaim. It explains that the jury should weigh the evidence presented by both parties separately and independently. The jury must consider whether the defendant has proven their counterclaim by a preponderance of the evidence, independent of the plaintiff's claims. 5. Verdict Instructions: Finally, the instruction outlines the jury's duty to render separate verdicts on the plaintiff's claims and the defendant's counterclaim. It guides the jury on the process of reaching a verdict based on their evaluation of the evidence presented. It is important to note that while this description provides a general overview of the Puerto Rico Jury Instruction — 1.2 With Counterclaim By Defendant, there may be variations or additional instructions depending on the specific case, nature of the claims and counterclaims, and the judge's discretion.