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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 Missouri, the jury charge, also known as jury instructions, is a crucial component of a trial. These instructions are provided by the judge and are designed to guide the jury in their deliberations. They include the questions the jury must answer, the legal standards they must apply, and the definitions of relevant legal terms. The instructions are based on Missouri Approved Instructions (MAI) when applicable, which are standardized instructions intended to ensure clarity and uniformity. The jury's answers to the questions in the jury charge lead to the jury verdict, which determines the outcome of the lawsuit. The verdict is then reflected in the court's judgment, which details the relief granted, such as the award of damages or other remedies. The process of crafting the jury charge is collaborative, with input from both the prosecution and defense attorneys, and the judge has the final say on the content of the instructions. The accuracy and fairness of the jury charge are critical, as errors can be grounds for appeal.

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Civil procedure

jury charge

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Missouri State Code

Civil procedure

jury charge

Missouri State Code

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