The Hennepin County Minnesota Jury Instruction — 5.1 Expert Witnesses General Instruction provides guidance to jurors regarding the evaluation and assessment of expert witnesses’ testimony in a legal proceeding. Expert witnesses are individuals who possess specialized knowledge, skill, experience, or training in a particular field and are called upon by the court to provide their expert opinion on complex or technical matters that are beyond the understanding of the average juror. This jury instruction serves to inform jurors of the unique role and qualifications of expert witnesses, helping them to understand how to weigh the credibility and reliability of their testimony. It provides important guidelines to ensure that jurors adequately consider and assess the value and relevance of expert evidence. The content of the Hennepin Minnesota Jury Instruction — 5.1 Expert Witnesses General Instruction may include the following: 1. Expert Witness Defined: This instruction clarifies the qualifications and characteristics that distinguish an expert witness from an ordinary witness. It explains that expert witnesses are allowed to provide opinions and that their expertise must be recognized by the court based on their knowledge, skill, experience, training, or education in specific fields. 2. Evaluating Expert Testimony: This instruction guides jurors on how to evaluate the credibility and reliability of expert testimony. It may mention factors such as the witness's qualifications, experience, methodology, data or information considered, and the extent to which their opinion is supported by the evidence presented during the trial. 3. Weighing Expert Opinions: This instruction advises jurors on the appropriate weight to assign to an expert's opinion. It may emphasize that jurors are not bound to accept the expert's opinion as absolute truth but should consider it along with other evidence presented in the case, evaluating its strengths and weaknesses. 4. Expert Witnesses as Educators: This instruction highlights the role of expert witnesses as educators to help jurors understand complex or technical matters. It may remind jurors that expert testimony should be communicated in a manner that is accessible and understandable to them. It's important to note that the specific content and wording of the Hennepin Minnesota Jury Instruction — 5.1 Expert Witnesses General Instruction may vary slightly depending on the particular case and judge's preferences. However, the underlying purpose remains the same — to educate and guide the jurors in effectively evaluating, understanding, and utilizing expert witness testimony in reaching a fair and informed verdict.