South Carolina Jury Instruction — Preliminary Instructions Before Opening Statements — Short Form provides crucial guidance for jurors at the beginning stages of trial proceedings. It helps ensure that jurors understand their role, the trial process, and the general expectations during the presentation of evidence. This instruction is designed to be concise and easy to comprehend while setting the stage for the trial ahead. Keywords: South Carolina, jury instruction, preliminary instructions, opening statements, short form, trial proceedings, jurors, role, trial process, evidence, concise, comprehend. Different Types of South Carolina Jury Instruction — Preliminary Instructions Before Opening Statements — Short Form: 1. Criminal Cases Short Form: This form of the instruction specifically applies to criminal trials, where jurors are instructed on their duty to presume the defendant innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. It also provides an overview of the burden of proof and the importance of focusing on the evidence presented during the trial. 2. Civil Cases Short Form: The civil cases short form instruction is directed towards jurors in civil trials. It emphasizes the necessity of considering only the evidence provided and not forming any opinions or biases based on irrelevant factors. It also guides jurors on the applicable standard of proof, which usually relies on a preponderance of evidence rather than beyond a reasonable doubt. 3. Medical Malpractice Short Form: This specific short form instruction is intended for medical malpractice trials. Jurors receive a preliminary understanding of the complexities involved in medical cases and are reminded to evaluate the evidence based on the medical standard of care. It also highlights the importance of expert testimony in such cases. 4. Personal Injury Short Form: Personal injury cases have their own short form instruction tailored to jurors in these specific types of trials. Jurors are informed about their role in determining whether the defendant's negligence caused the plaintiff's injuries. This instruction focuses on the requirement of proving the defendant's liability and the role of damages in awarding compensation. 5. Product Liability Short Form: For product liability cases, this short form instruction educates jurors on evaluating manufacturers' or sellers' potential negligence or breach of warranty, which resulted in injuries or damages caused by a defective product. It explains the responsibility and standards that apply to such cases, ensuring that jurors approach the evidence correctly. 6. Wrongful Death Short Form: The wrongful death short form instruction provides guidance to jurors in cases where negligence or intentional actions lead to someone's demise. It outlines the elements necessary to establish liability and the purpose of damages, urging jurors to assess the evidence with care and empathy. The different types of South Carolina Jury Instruction — Preliminary Instructions Before Opening Statements — Short Form cater to various legal contexts to properly educate jurors on the specific nuances and requirements of each case.