The jury charge is the questions, instructions, and definitions given to the jury by the court (judge) in a lawsuit to resolve the dispute between the parties. The jury’s answers to the questions in the jury charge determines the outcome of the lawsuit (the jury verdict), and is ultimately reflected in the court’s judgment (the statement of the relief granted in the lawsuit—generally who owes who money).

In Colorado, the jury charge, also known as jury instructions, is a crucial component of a trial. These instructions are provided by the judge to the jury and encompass the questions they must answer, the legal standards they must apply, and the definitions of relevant legal concepts. The purpose of the jury charge is to guide the jury in their deliberations and to ensure they understand the law as it applies to the case they are considering. The jury's answers to the questions posed in the charge form the basis of their verdict, which determines the outcome of the lawsuit. Once the jury reaches a verdict, the court will enter a judgment that reflects the decision, including any awards of damages or other relief. Colorado courts follow the Colorado Jury Instructions (CJI), which are standardized instructions that can be modified by the judge to fit the specifics of the case. The process of creating and delivering the jury charge is governed by the Colorado Rules of Civil Procedure and the Colorado Rules of Criminal Procedure, depending on whether the case is civil or criminal.