Virgin Islands Jury Instruction — 7.1 Duty To Deliberate When Only The Plaintiff Claims Damages (Description): In the Virgin Islands, jury instructions are provided to guide the jurors during a trial and help them understand the legal rules and principles applicable to the case they are deciding. One important instruction is Jury Instruction — 7.1, which pertains to cases where only the plaintiff (the party bringing the lawsuit) claims damages. This instruction outlines the duty of the jury to deliberate and carefully consider the evidence presented when the plaintiff asserts a claim for damages. It emphasizes the jury's responsibility to objectively evaluate the evidence against the legal standard applicable in such cases. Here are some key principles covered in the Virgin Islands Jury Instruction — 7.1: 1. Deliberation: The instruction underscores the importance of deliberation, which is the process of thoughtful discussion among jurors after all the evidence has been presented. Jurors are encouraged to express their views, listen to others, and consider all evidence before reaching a verdict. 2. Unanimity: The instruction also reminds jurors that their verdict must be unanimous. They must reach a consensus after thorough deliberation, engaging in constructive dialogue aimed at a fair and just decision. However, it also makes clear that unanimity does not mean total agreement on all details, but rather reaching a verdict on the claims presented. 3. Plaintiff's Burden of Proof: In cases where only the plaintiff claims damages, the instruction details the plaintiff's burden of proof. It explains that the plaintiff has the responsibility to present evidence and persuade the jury that their claimed damages are supported by a preponderance of the evidence, meaning it is more likely than not that the damages were actually suffered. Types of the Virgin Islands Jury Instruction — 7.1: While the main focus of the Virgin Islands Jury Instruction — 7.1 pertains to cases where only the plaintiff claims damages, there may be variations of this instruction based on the specific circumstances of the case. For example: 1. Virgin Islands Jury Instruction — 7.1 (Medical Malpractice): This version of the instruction could be tailored to cases involving medical malpractice, wherein the plaintiff alleges damages resulting from medical negligence or improper treatment. 2. Virgin Islands Jury Instruction — 7.1 (Personal Injury): This variation might be used in personal injury cases, where the plaintiff claims damages due to another party's negligence, such as an automobile accident or slip and fall. 3. Virgin Islands Jury Instruction — 7.1 (Product Liability): In cases concerning product liability, this version of the instruction may be employed when the plaintiff seeks damages caused by a defective or dangerous product. These are just a few examples of how the Virgin Islands Jury Instruction — 7.1 can be adapted to specific types of cases where only the plaintiff claims damages. It is crucial to consult the relevant instructions and tailor them appropriately to provide clear and accurate guidance to the jury.