Jury instructions are important because most jurors take their civic responsibility very seriously and genuinely desire to follow the law. These jurors often pay particular attention to what the trial judge says. Furthermore, jury instructions are often a focus of defendants appeals, and appellate courts do pay close attention to jury instructions. For example, if a trial judge refuses to grant a defense attorney’s proposed jury instruction, that could be a good basis for an error of law committed by the trial judge.

• Can the jury receive written copies of the judge’s instructions?
• What happens with the attorneys proposed jury instructions?
• Where do attorneys obtain proposed jury instructions?
• What happens in the jury instruction phase of the trial?
• Is there a set time for closing arguments?
• What is the order of argument with respect to closing arguments?
• What does each side hope to accomplish with closing arguments?
• What happens in the closing argument phase?
• After the prosecution finishes its case, can the defense immediately file for dismissal?
• During the prosecution’s case, is there a chance at cross-examination?
• What happens at the start of a criminal trial?
• What are jury consultants?
• Can a judge declare a mistrial?
• Must a criminal defendant testify on behalf of himself or herself?
• How do criminal trials proceed?
• Can a court use an anonymous jury?
• Can judges sequester juries?
• Do jury verdicts have to be unanimous?
• Who was the defendant Ballew?
• Can a state conduct a criminal trial with only five jurors?