Hennepin Minnesota Jury Instruction — 2.2 With Comparative Negligence Defense is a legal instruction that provides guidance to jurors in cases involving comparative negligence defense. This instruction, commonly used in Hennepin County, Minnesota, explains how jurors should consider the plaintiff's own negligence when determining liability and awarding damages in a personal injury lawsuit. In cases where the defendant alleges that the plaintiff's own actions contributed to their injuries, the court may instruct the jury to use Hennepin Minnesota Jury Instruction — 2.2 With Comparative Negligence Defense. This instruction highlights the concept of comparative negligence, which allows for the allocation of fault between the parties involved based on their respective degree of negligence. The purpose of this instruction is to ensure a fair and equitable assessment of liability, considering all parties' contributions to the incident. Jury Instruction 2.2 provides jurors with a framework to evaluate the plaintiff's actions, weighing them against the defendant's negligence to determine proportional liability and potential damages. Alternatively, there may be variations or additional instructions related to comparative negligence defense based on the specific facts and circumstances of the case. Some potential variations or additional instructions in Hennepin Minnesota include: 1. Hennepin Minnesota Jury Instruction — 2.2(a— - Pure Comparative Negligence: This instruction emphasizes the pure comparative negligence rule, where the plaintiff's recovery is reduced by their own percentage of fault, regardless of the degree of negligence relative to the defendant. 2. Hennepin Minnesota Jury Instruction — 2.2(b— - Modified Comparative Negligence: This instruction outlines the modified comparative negligence rule, commonly referred to as the "50% rule." Under this rule, the plaintiff's recovery is barred entirely if their negligence exceeds the negligence of the defendant. If the plaintiff's negligence is equal to or less than the defendant's, they can still recover damages, but the amount will be reduced proportionately. 3. Hennepin Minnesota Jury Instruction — 2.2(c— - Slight/Gross Comparative Negligence: This instruction addresses cases where a party's negligence is deemed to be "slight" compared to the negligence of the other party, and thus does not contribute to the liability. On the other hand, "gross" negligence may result in a complete bar to the plaintiff's recovery. It is important for jurors to carefully consider and apply these instructions, following the judge's guidance, in order to make fair and informed decisions regarding comparative negligence and liability. Legal professionals, including attorneys and judges, are responsible for accurately presenting these instructions to the jury in a clear and concise manner to facilitate their understanding and application.