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Civil procedure

jury charge

The jury charge is the questions, instructions, and definitions given to the jury by the court (judge) in a lawsuit to resolve the dispute between the parties. The jury’s answers to the questions in the jury charge determines the outcome of the lawsuit (the jury verdict), and is ultimately reflected in the court’s judgment (the statement of the relief granted in the lawsuit—generally who owes who money).

In Georgia, the jury charge is a critical component of a trial, encompassing the questions, instructions, and definitions that the judge provides to the jury. The purpose of the jury charge is to guide the jury in their deliberations and to ensure they understand the legal standards that apply to the case. Georgia law requires that the jury charge be given in a clear and concise manner, tailored to the specific facts of the case. The jury's answers to the questions posed in the jury charge lead to the jury verdict, which determines the outcome of the lawsuit. This verdict is then reflected in the court's judgment, which details the relief granted, such as the award of damages or other remedies. The process of developing a jury charge is governed by the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (O.C.G.A.) and relevant case law, which dictate the proper formulation and delivery of instructions to the jury. Attorneys for both parties typically propose jury charges, but the judge has the final say on what instructions are given to the jury.

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Civil procedure

jury charge

Individual & Family Legal Plan

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Civil procedure

jury charge

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