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Civil procedure

jury charge

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 Maine, 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 laws and issues pertinent to the case at hand. They help jurors 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 award of damages or other remedies. Maine's state statutes and rules of civil procedure, along with relevant case law, govern the formulation and delivery of jury instructions. The goal is to ensure that the jury's decision-making process is fair, impartial, and in accordance with the law.

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Civil procedure

jury charge

Individual & Family Legal Plan

Articles

Maine State Code

Civil procedure

jury charge

Articles

Maine State Code