M Civ JI 97.21 Caution about Publicity in Cases of Public Interest

(1) During the trial, do not read, listen to, or watch any news reports about the case. Under the law, the evidence you consider to decide the case must meet certain standards. For example, witnesses must swear to tell the truth, and the lawyers must be able to cross-examine them. Because news reports do not have to meet these standards, they could give you incorrect or misleading information that might unfairly favor one side. So, to be fair to both sides, you must follow this instruction.

(2) (Give the instruction below when recessing)

Remember, for the reasons I explained to you earlier, you must not read, listen to, or watch any news reports about this case while you are serving on this jury.

Note on Use

Give this instruction only if media coverage is expected.

History

M Civ JI 97.21 was added March 2005.