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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 New Mexico, the jury charge, also known as jury instructions, is a crucial component of a trial. It consists of a set of legal guidelines, questions, and definitions provided by the judge to the jury. The purpose of the jury charge is to guide the jurors on the legal standards they must apply when deliberating and reaching a verdict. The instructions clarify the legal issues they must consider and the factual questions they need to answer based on the evidence presented during the trial. New Mexico courts often use standardized jury instructions, known as Uniform Jury Instructions (UJI), but judges may also tailor specific instructions to fit the particular circumstances of a case. After the jury has been charged, they deliberate and their answers to the questions form the basis of their verdict. The verdict then informs the court's judgment, which is the official decision of the court regarding the outcome of the case, including any awards of damages or other relief.

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Civil procedure

jury charge

Individual & Family Legal Plan

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Civil procedure

jury charge

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