Harris Texas Jury Instruction — 7.2 Duty To Deliberate When Both Plaintiff and Defendant Claim Damages or When Damages Are Not an Issue is an important legal guideline that governs the obligations and responsibilities of the jury during a civil trial in Harris County, Texas. This instruction primarily addresses situations where both the plaintiff (the party bringing the lawsuit) and the defendant (the party being sued) claim damages or when damages are not a contested issue. When both the plaintiff and defendant assert damages, the jury must consider and deliberate on the evidence presented by both sides to determine the fair and just amount of damages, if any, that should be awarded. In these cases, the jury's duty is to assess the evidence and weigh the credibility of the witnesses' testimony before making a decision on the appropriate amount of damages to be awarded to the prevailing party. However, when damages are not an issue, the jury must still deliberate to reach a verdict on liability or guilt. The focus of their deliberation shifts from assessing the amount of damages to deciding whether the defendant is legally responsible for the harm caused to the plaintiff. It is essential for the jury members to carefully follow this instruction, as it guides them in correctly understanding their duty to deliberate and reach a fair verdict. Failure to deliberate in accordance with this instruction may lead to biased or incomplete decision-making, affecting the overall integrity and fairness of the trial process. In summary, Harris Texas Jury Instruction — 7.2 Duty To Deliberate When Both Plaintiff and Defendant Claim Damages or When Damages Are Not an Issue clarifies the jury's obligations during a civil trial in Harris County, Texas, when damages are claimed by both parties or when damages are not a contested issue. This instruction ensures that the jury thoroughly considers the evidence and reaches a fair verdict based on the law and facts of the case.