Jury Instructions Legal Standards Information
Types of jury instructions: preliminary instructions (given at the start of trial: explaining the jury's role, the burden of proof, and general trial procedures), standard instructions (pattern instructions adopted by the Supreme Court Committee on Standard Jury Instructions), special instructions (custom instructions requested by the parties to address specific legal issues not covered by the standard instructions), and final instructions (given before deliberations: covering all claims, defenses, and damages). Objections: the parties must object to proposed instructions before they are given (failure to object waives the right to challenge the instruction on appeal), and the parties may request specific instructions (wording that accurately states the law applicable to the case).
Florida Legal Definition
Jury instructions in Florida are governed by: Florida Rule of Civil Procedure 1.470 (Jury Instructions) and the Florida Standard Jury Instructions (published by the Supreme Court Committee). Under Rule 1.470(b): the court must: charge the jury on the law applicable to the issues in the case. Under Rule 1.470(b): the parties may: file written requests for specific instructions. Under Florida practice: the standard jury instructions are presumptively correct (deviation from standard instructions requires: a specific reason). Under Florida case law: the failure to give a correct instruction on a critical issue is: reversible error.
How It's Used in Practice
Attorneys manage jury instruction issues at trial. The attorney: reviews the standard jury instructions before trial (identifying: the applicable instructions for each claim and defense), prepares special instruction requests (for legal issues not covered by the standard instructions), objects to improper instructions (preserving the issue for appeal), and argues for favorable instructions (framing the law in the most advantageous terms for the client). The attorney advises: jury instructions are often the decisive issue on appeal; attorneys must carefully review, object to, and preserve instruction issues at trial.
Key Takeaways
- Jury instructions: judge explains applicable law to jury.
- Rule 1.470: FL jury instruction procedure.
- Standard instructions are presumptively correct.
- Must object to preserve instruction issues for appeal.
- Incorrect instruction on critical issue is reversible error.
Disclaimer: The information and opinions provided are for general educational, informational or entertainment purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice or a substitute for consultation with a qualified attorney. Any information that you read does not create an attorney–client relationship with Barnes Walker, Goethe, Perron, Shea & Johnson, PLLC, or any of its attorneys. Because laws, regulations, and court interpretations may change over time, the definitions and explanations provided here may not reflect the most current legal standards. The application of law varies depending on your particular facts and jurisdiction. For advice regarding your specific situation, please contact one of our Florida attorneys for personalized guidance.
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