Civil Model Jury Charge 1.10A Welcome and Explanation of Nature of Case in NJ

1.10 INSTRUCTIONS TO JURORS BEFORE VOIR DIRE (Approved 11/98) [The following suggested jury instructions are offered as assistance to judges in organizing their communications with juries. The Committee recommends that the judge tailor these instructions to the particular case being tried. In the circumstances presented, some of these suggested instructions should be altered, some should be eliminated. In addition, the format or the order in which these instructions are given to the jury should be the subject of the judges option or discretion in each individual case.] A. Welcome and Explanation of Nature of Case Good Morning (or Good Afternoon), members of the jury.My name is Judge ). We are about to select a jury for the trial of a civil case. [Explain the nature of the case. For example: It arises out of an automobile accident that occurred on Route #1, here in Middlesex County, on ( date ). The plaintiff brings this suit contending that the accident was caused by the negligence or fault of the driver of the other vehicle. She sues to recover money damages for the injuries she says she sustained in the accident. Her husband is also a plaintiff and he sues for money damages to compensate him for his losses. The defendant in the case denies that he caused this accident. The jury will be asked to decide fault for the accident and, if the plaintiffs are entitled to an award of damages. The jury will also be asked to decide on the appropriate amount.]