Keywords: West Virginia, jury instruction, preliminary instructions, opening statements, short form. Description: The West Virginia Jury Instruction — Preliminary Instructions Before Opening Statements — Short Form is a legal document that outlines the instructions provided to the jury by the judge at the beginning of a trial in West Virginia. These instructions inform the jury about their roles, obligations, and the rules they must follow during the trial proceedings. The purpose of the preliminary instructions before opening statements is to guide the jury members on how to approach the upcoming trial and to set the stage for a fair and impartial decision-making process. These instructions also help the jurors understand their responsibilities and the importance of their role in the administration of justice. The West Virginia Jury Instruction — Preliminary Instructions Before Opening Statements — Short Form typically includes the following key points: 1. Juror's conduct: The instructions emphasize the essential traits expected from the jurors, such as attentiveness, impartiality, and maintaining confidentiality during the trial. 2. Importance of opening statements: The judge explains the purpose and function of opening statements from the attorneys, clarifying that these statements are not evidence but provide an overview of the case. 3. Jury's evaluation: The instructions guide the jurors on how to evaluate the evidence presented during the trial, emphasizing the need for objectivity and fair consideration of all evidence and testimony. 4. Credibility of witnesses: The judge describes the factors that may affect the credibility of witnesses, including their demeanor, consistency, bias, and potential motives. 5. Burden of proof: The judge clarifies the burden of proof, explaining that the prosecution must prove the defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. 6. Presumption of innocence: The instructions stress the importance of the presumption of innocence, emphasizing that the defendant is not required to prove their innocence but that the burden lies with the prosecution. It is worth noting that there may be different versions or variations of the West Virginia Jury Instruction — Preliminary Instructions Before Opening Statements — Short Form, adapted to specific types of cases (e.g., civil, criminal, or specific legal areas). These variations would provide tailored instructions relevant to the specific case type and associated laws.