Rhode Island Jury Instruction — 11.11.1 General Instruction is a crucial component of the legal process that provides guidance to jurors regarding their duties and responsibilities during a trial. This instruction outlines the general principles that jurors must adhere to in order to ensure a fair and impartial decision-making process. The Rhode Island Judiciary recognizes the importance of clear and comprehensive jury instructions, and therefore, provides specific guidelines to assist jurors in understanding their role and the legal standards they should apply. Rhode Island Jury Instruction — 11.11.1 General Instruction acts as a foundational guideline for jurors in all types of trials conducted within the state. This general instruction serves as a framework for jurors to grasp their primary responsibilities, including carefully listening to the evidence presented, objectively evaluating witness testimony, considering all relevant facts, and applying the law as instructed by the judge. Jurors are instructed to base their decision solely on the evidence presented in court and not on any personal biases or outside influences. The Rhode Island Jury Instruction — 11.11.1 General Instruction may vary slightly depending on the nature of the case. However, its core purpose remains consistent across different types of trials, such as criminal, civil, or even specific areas of law like personal injury or medical malpractice. In criminal trials, jurors are reminded of the presumption of innocence and the burden of proof resting upon the prosecution. They are instructed on the elements of the specific charges and the requirement to find the defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Conversely, in civil trials, jurors are directed to evaluate the preponderance of the evidence, which is a lesser burden of proof compared to criminal cases. The Rhode Island Jury Instruction — 11.11.1 General Instruction ensures that jurors approach their duties with a clear understanding of their role in the legal process. By providing explicit guidelines and emphasizing the importance of impartiality, this instruction contributes to the preservation of justice and the fair administration of the law in Rhode Island courts.