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 North Carolina, the jury charge, also known as jury instructions, is a crucial component of a trial. It consists of the questions, instructions, and legal definitions that the judge provides to the jury. These instructions guide the jury on the legal standards they must apply when deliberating and making decisions on the case. The jury charge is tailored to the specific facts and legal issues of the case and is designed to help the jury understand the law and the legal concepts relevant to the dispute. After receiving the jury charge, the jury deliberates and answers the questions posed, which leads to their verdict. The verdict is based on how the jury applies the law to the facts of the case, as instructed by the judge. The outcome of the jury's deliberations is then reflected in the court's judgment, which details the relief granted, such as the award of damages or other remedies. North Carolina courts follow the North Carolina Pattern Jury Instructions, which serve as a guide for judges in formulating jury charges, although judges may tailor the instructions to the specifics of the case at hand.