Texas Jury Instruction Note-takingin— - Not Permitted Texas jury instructions play a crucial role in guiding jurors on how to determine the facts of a case and apply the law correctly. Among the various jury instructions available, one specific type is "Note-Taking — Not Permitted." This instruction restricts jurors from taking notes during the trial proceedings. When the court issues the "Note-Taking — Not Permitted" instruction, it means that jurors are prohibited from jotting down any information, evidence, or their own personal thoughts during the trial. This restriction aims to maintain the integrity of the trial process and ensure that all jurors are on equal footing when deliberating and reaching a verdict. By not allowing note-taking, the court aims to prevent any potential biases or disproportionate emphasis on certain pieces of evidence that might occur if one juror relied heavily on their notes while others did not. This instruction encourages jurors to pay careful attention to the trial proceedings and rely solely on their memory when considering the evidence and testimony presented. The "Note-Taking — Not Permitted" instruction helps maintain a fair and even playing field among jurors, preventing any information asymmetry that could potentially sway the deliberations. Moreover, it ensures that all jurors engage in active listening, giving equal weight to each piece of evidence during their deliberations. Different variations of the "Note-Taking — Not Permitted" instruction may exist depending on the specific court, case, or judge involved. For instance, some judges might allow limited note-taking for specific purposes, such as recording exhibits or dates presented in court. However, in general, the instruction remains consistent in emphasizing that jurors should not jot down personal thoughts or evidence during the trial. In conclusion, Texas jury instruction Note-takingin— - Not Permitted" restricts jurors from taking notes during trial proceedings. This instruction ensures an impartial and unbiased deliberation process, where each juror relies on their memory of the evidence presented. By not allowing notes, the court aims to maintain fairness, prevent information asymmetry, and promote equal consideration of all evidence by the jury.