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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 Pennsylvania, 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 before they deliberate. The purpose of the jury charge is to guide the jurors on the legal standards and principles they must apply when considering the evidence and making their decisions. The instructions will typically cover the relevant laws, how to assess the credibility of witnesses, and the burden of proof. The jury's answers to the questions posed 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 is the official decision of the court regarding the relief granted, such as the award of damages or other remedies. Pennsylvania courts follow the Pennsylvania Suggested Standard Civil Jury Instructions, which are periodically updated to reflect changes in law and practice, although judges may tailor the instructions to the specifics of the case at hand.

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Civil procedure

jury charge

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Pennsylvania State Code

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Civil procedure

jury charge