Jury Instructions

Explore a comprehensive collection of jury instructions that provide essential guidance for jurors in legal proceedings. This category features detailed explanations of legal standards, procedural rules, and case law relevant to jury decision-making. Visitors will find valuable resources, including instructional videos, expert insights, and articles that clarify the intricacies of jury responsibilities and the importance of impartiality in the justice system.

7 posts

Steps to Take if You Need to Be Excused from Jury Duty

February 24, 2026 • By Guest Post

To be excused from jury duty, you generally must request an excuse or deferral within 5–10 days of receiving your summons. Courts typically require written proof of hardship (e.g., doctor’s note, travel records, caregiver letter, or employer/financial documentation) submitted through the court’s portal or clerk. This article explains eligible reasons, required documents, and how to […]

Court Procedures Court Reform

How to Assert and Protect Your Rights During Jury Trials?

October 24, 2025 • By Jack Gilbert

You can assert and protect your rights during a jury trial by insisting on an impartial jury, competent counsel, fair evidentiary rulings, and due process at every stage. Key safeguards include voir dire challenges, timely objections, motions to exclude evidence, and clear jury instructions to prevent bias and ensure a lawful verdict. This article explains […]

Civil Law Criminal Law

Voir Dire Challenges: Shaping Your Jury Pool

January 5, 2025 • By Jack Gilbert

Voir dire challenges generally include two main types: for-cause challenges (unlimited) and peremptory challenges (limited in number by jurisdiction). Attorneys use them to remove biased jurors while complying with constitutional limits, including Batson’s ban on race-based strikes. This article explains strategies, legal standards, and modern trends shaping jury selection. In the realm of criminal law […]

Civil Rights Constitutional Law

Jury Nullification: When Juries Ignore the Law

December 29, 2024 • By Jack Gilbert

Jury nullification occurs when a jury returns a not guilty verdict even though the prosecution proved guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. It’s not a formal legal right jurors are told about, but it can happen because juries generally can’t be punished for verdicts. This article explains what it is, its historical use, and key legal […]

Civil Law Civil Litigation

Voir Dire Process: Selecting an Impartial Jury

December 17, 2024 • By Jack Gilbert

Voir dire is the jury selection process where judges and attorneys question prospective jurors and may remove them for cause or via a limited number of peremptory strikes. It aims to uncover bias and ensure an impartial jury as required for a fair trial. This article explains the steps, key terms, and how voir dire […]

Business Law Civil Litigation

Samsung Patent Infringement: Jury Awards Netlist $118M in Lawsuit

December 5, 2024 • By Jack Gilbert

A federal jury awarded Netlist Inc. $118 million in damages after finding Samsung Electronics infringed Netlist’s memory technology patents. The verdict is a major win for the smaller California company and signals the high stakes of IP disputes in the tech sector. This article summarizes the lawsuit, the patented technology at issue, and why the […]

Ethical Practices in Courtroom Jury Deliberation Techniques

Effective Jury Deliberation Strategies: Utilizing the Allen Charge in Court

April 25, 2024 • By Jack Gilbert

The Allen Charge is a judicial instruction used when a jury reports it is deadlocked after substantial deliberations to encourage continued discussion toward a unanimous verdict. Judges must deliver it in a balanced, non-coercive way to protect juror independence and avoid reversible error. This article explains when it’s given, how it’s worded, and the legal […]