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 Mississippi, the jury charge comprises the questions, instructions, and definitions that the judge provides to the jury in a civil lawsuit. These elements guide the jury in their deliberations to reach a verdict. The instructions typically cover the law relevant to the case, the standards that must be met for the parties to prove their claims or defenses, and the procedures the jury must follow in their deliberations. The questions, often referred to as interrogatories, are designed to lead the jury through the factual issues they must decide. The definitions help clarify legal terms and concepts that may be unfamiliar to the jurors. The jury's answers to these questions form the basis of their verdict, which determines the outcome of the lawsuit. Once the jury reaches a verdict, the judge will enter a judgment based on this decision, which will specify the relief granted, such as monetary damages or injunctive relief. Mississippi law requires that jury charges be fair and impartial, and accurately reflect the law. Attorneys for each side typically propose jury instructions, but the judge has the final say on what instructions are given to the jury.