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 Nebraska, 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 case and are based on Nebraska law, including state statutes and case law precedents. They are designed to help the jury understand the legal standards that apply to the case, the elements of the claims or defenses presented, and the burden of proof. 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 is the official decision of the court regarding the relief granted, such as monetary damages or other remedies. It is the responsibility of the attorneys to propose jury instructions, but the judge has the final say on what instructions are given to the jury.