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 Delaware, the jury charge, also known as jury instructions, is a crucial component of a trial. The judge provides the jury with a set of questions, instructions, and definitions that guide them in their deliberations to reach a verdict. These instructions are tailored to the specific facts of the case and the applicable law. They are designed to help the jury understand the legal standards they must apply to the evidence presented during the trial. The jury's answers to the questions posed in the jury charge determine the outcome of the lawsuit, which is the jury verdict. This verdict is then reflected in the court's judgment, which outlines the relief granted, such as the amount of damages awarded or other remedies. Delaware courts follow the Delaware Uniform Jury Instructions as a model, but judges may modify them to fit the particular circumstances of each case. The accuracy and clarity of the jury charge are critical, as errors may result in a verdict being overturned on appeal.