Utah Jury Instruction Note-takingin— - For Inclusion in Final Charge When Note-Taking Permitted: In the state of Utah, jury members may be allowed to take notes during a trial under certain circumstances. Note-taking can aid jurors in recalling important information, keeping track of evidence, and understanding complex legal arguments. However, it is essential to provide clear instructions to the jury regarding when note-taking is allowed and how they should go about it. There are different types of Utah Jury Instructions related to note-taking, depending on the specific circumstances of the trial: 1. Standard Note-Taking Instruction: This instruction outlines the conditions under which note-taking is permitted during the trial. It emphasizes that the primary duty of jurors is to listen attentively to the proceedings and that note-taking should not distract them from understanding the evidence and testimony presented. Jurors are advised to use their notes only as an aid to memory and not as a substitute for their recollection of the facts presented. 2. Limitations on Note-Taking: This instruction clarifies certain limitations on note-taking. Jurors are instructed not to take notes during testimony that they perceive as sensitive, emotional, or distracting in nature, as note-taking in such instances might interfere with their ability to fully comprehend the evidence. Additionally, jurors are advised that their notes should not be shared with others or relied upon as evidence during jury deliberations. 3. Contemporaneous Review of Notes: This instruction addresses the issue of jurors reviewing their notes during the trial. Jurors may be instructed that they may review their notes during courtroom recesses or breaks, but not during the actual testimony or argument presentation. This ensures that the attention of the jurors remains focused on the live proceedings. 4. Submission of Notes for Examination: In some cases, the court may request the jurors to submit their notes at the conclusion of the trial for examination. This instruction informs jurors that their notes are solely for their personal use and that they should not be concerned about grammar, spelling, or neatness. It also clarifies that the notes will not be made public or shared beyond the courtroom. 5. No Note-Taking Permitted: In certain situations, note-taking may be prohibited altogether. This instruction informs jurors that note-taking is not allowed during the trial and emphasizes the importance of attentive listening and relying on personal memory during deliberations. Utah Jury Instruction Note-takingin— - For Inclusion in Final Charge When Note-Taking Permitted provides important guidance to jurors regarding the use of note-taking as an aid to enhance their understanding and recall of trial evidence. It aims to strike a balance between facilitating effective juror comprehension and avoiding potential distractions or biases associated with note-taking.