jury instructions

A judge's explanation to the jury before it begins deliberations of the questions it must answer and the law governing the case. Each party suggests jury instructions to the judge, but the judge chooses the final wording.

A judge's directions to the jury before it begins deliberations regarding the factual questions it must answer and the legal rules that it must apply.

After all the evidence in a case has been presented, either before or after closing arguments, the judge instructs the jury. The instructions cover such matters as the responsibilities of the jurors, how the jurors are to go about deciding the case, and legal principles applicable to the case.