Rhode Island Jury Instruction - Preliminary Instructions Before Opening Statements - Long Form

• Category: Federal - Jury Instructions - Trial Instructions
• State: Multi-State
• Control #: US-11CRT-1-2
• Format: Word; Rich Text

Description

This form contains sample jury instructions, to be used across the United States. These questions are to be used only as a model, and should be altered to more perfectly fit your own cause of action needs.

Rhode Island Jury Instruction — Preliminary Instructions Before Opening Statements — Long Form is an important legal document used in Rhode Island courts to guide jurors on their role and responsibilities during a trial. These instructions are given by the judge before the attorneys present their opening statements and aim to provide jurors with a fair and unbiased understanding of the trial process. In Rhode Island, there are different types or variations of the long-form preliminary instructions before opening statements that may be used depending on the specific case and its requirements. These variations include: 1. Rhode Island Jury Instruction — Preliminary Instructions Before Opening Statements — Long For— - Criminal Case: This specific instruction is designed for criminal cases, where the defendant is accused of committing a crime. It outlines the elements of the charges, the presumption of innocence, and the burden of proof on the prosecution. 2. Rhode Island Jury Instruction — Preliminary Instructions Before Opening Statements — Long For— - Civil Case: This variation of the long-form instructions pertains to civil cases, which involve disputes between individuals or entities. It provides guidance on the standard of proof, the burden of proof, and the importance of impartiality in considering evidence and facts. During the preliminary instructions before opening statements, the judge typically covers several key topics. Some relevant keywords and concepts that may be included in these instructions are: — Jury duty: The judge will explain the importance of the jury's role in the justice system and emphasize that it is a civic duty that should be taken seriously. — Presumption of innocence: The instructions will clarify that the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt and that this presumption continues throughout the trial. — Burden of proof: The judge will explain the burden of proof lies with the prosecution (in criminal cases) or the plaintiff (in civil cases). They will make it clear that the burden remains with the prosecution or plaintiff throughout the trial, and the defendant does not have to prove their innocence. — Jury impartiality: The judge will stress the importance of jurors being fair and impartial, and that they should not have any preconceived notions or biases that could influence their decision-making process. — Admissibility of evidence: The judge may brief the jury on the rules of evidence, explaining what evidence can be considered and what may be excluded. — Witness credibility: The judge may address the issue of witness credibility, highlighting that jurors should assess the credibility of each witness based on their demeanor, consistency, and other factors. By providing detailed and comprehensive preliminary instructions before opening statements, the judge ensures that the jurors understand their role in the trial and the principles that will guide their decision-making process. These instructions aim to create a fair and just trial environment while fostering juror understanding and engagement.