M Civ JI 97.16 Questions by Jurors Allowed

(1) During the trial you may think of an important question that would help you understand the facts in this case. You are allowed to ask such questions.

(2) You should wait to ask questions until after a witness has finished testifying. If you still have an important question after all of the lawyers have finished asking their questions, don’t ask it yourself. Instead, raise your hand, write the question down, and pass it to the bailiff. [ He / she ] will give it to me. Do not show the question to the other jurors, or announce what the question is.

(3) There are rules of evidence that a trial must follow. If your question is allowed under those rules, I will ask the witness your question. If your question is not allowed, I will either rephrase it or I will not ask it at all.

Note on Use

Allowing jurors to ask questions is optional.

History

M Civ JI 97.16 was added March 2005. Amended November 2015.