M Civ JI 97.01 Preliminary Instructions to Prospective Jurors

(1) [ Good morning / Good afternoon ]. I am Judge [ _________], and it is my pleasure and privilege to welcome you to the [_________] County Circuit Court.

(2) I know that jury service may be a new experience for some of you. Jury duty is one of the most serious duties that members of a free society are called upon to perform.

(3) The jury is an important part of this court. The right to a trial by jury is an ancient tradition and is part of our legal heritage. The parties have a right to a jury that is selected fairly, that comes to the case without bias, and that will attempt to reach a verdict based on the evidence presented. Because you are making very important decisions in this case, you are to evaluate the evidence carefully and avoid decisions based on generalizations, gut feelings, prejudices, sympathies, stereotypes, or biases. The law and your oath demands that you return a just verdict, based solely on the evidence, your reason and common sense, and these instructions. As jurors, your sole duty is to find the truth and do justice. Jurors must be as free as humanly possible from bias, prejudice, or sympathy for either side. Each side in a trial is entitled to jurors who keep open minds until the time comes to decide the case. Take the time you need to test what might be reflexive unconscious responses and to reflect carefully and consciously about the evidence. I caution you to avoid reaching conclusions that may have been influenced by unintended stereotypes or associations. You must each reach your own conclusions about this case individually, but you should do so only after listening to and considering the opinions of the other jurors, who may have different backgrounds and perspectives from yours. Working together will help achieve a fair result.

History

M Civ JI 97.01 was added March 2005. Amended October 2019, July 2024.