Wyoming Jury Instruction — Duty to Follow Instructions In Wyoming, the duty to follow instructions is a crucial aspect of the jury's responsibility during a trial. Jury instructions are the guidelines given by the judge to instruct the jurors on the law that applies to the case they are deciding. Jurors are obligated to follow these instructions in order to reach a fair and just verdict. Different Types of Wyoming Jury Instructions — Duty to Follow Instructions 1. General Jury Instructions: These are the standard instructions given to the jury at the beginning and end of a trial regarding their duties, requirements, and the legal standards they must consider. These instructions lay the foundation for the jury's understanding of their role and the importance of following the law. 2. Elements of the Offense: In criminal cases, specific jury instructions may be provided to outline the essential elements that the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt. These instructions help jurors understand the specific criteria they need to consider when determining guilt or innocence. 3. Presumptions and Burden of Proof: Wyoming jury instructions may also include information regarding presumptions and the burden of proof. This instructs jurors on the legal presumption of innocence, the burden of proof lying with the prosecution, and the need for the defense to prove any affirmative defenses. 4. Instructions on Damages: In civil cases, the jury may receive instructions on how to assess and calculate damages in order to provide fair compensation to the harmed party. These instructions help jurors understand the different types of damages and how they should be awarded based on the evidence presented. 5. Credibility and Witness Testimony: Jury instructions may also focus on determining the credibility of witnesses and their testimony. These instructions help jurors evaluate witness statements, assess their credibility, and weigh the overall reliability of the evidence presented. 6. Deliberation Instructions: Once the evidence has been presented and the jury begins their deliberations, instructions on how to conduct deliberations may be provided. These instructions guide jurors on the law, encourage open discussions, and emphasize the importance of considering each other's perspectives. It is essential for jurors to understand that they must adhere to the specific instructions given by the judge. Failure to follow these instructions may jeopardize the integrity of the trial and lead to potentially biased or invalid outcomes. Jurors play a crucial role in the justice system, and their impartiality and adherence to instructions are vital for a fair decision-making process.