AMI 102 Cautionary Instructions—Reminder of Jurors' Duties During Recess
Ark. Model Jury Instr., Civil AMI 102
Arkansas Model Jury Instructions-Civil
December 2023 Update
Chapter 1. Introductory Instructions
AMI 102 Cautionary Instructions—Reminder of Jurors' Duties During Recess
[We are about to take (our first) (a) recess. Remember that all of the rules I have given you apply even when you are away from the courthouse, such as at recess.
And remember the basic rule: Do not communicate about this case and the places and persons involved by any means whatsoever with anyone at all, or look for or receive any information whatsoever about this case other than the evidence in this courtroom and the law as I have instructed you, until your jury duty is complete and I have discharged you.
Remember why we have this basic rule: So that you keep an open mind throughout the trial, and appear to others to keep an open mind, and so that you decide the case based only on the evidence presented at trial before the parties, and based only on the law as the Court has instructed you.
Do not talk among yourselves about this case, or the people or places involved in it, until I send you to the jury room for your deliberations.
Do not talk with or otherwise communicate with any of the parties, lawyers, or witnesses involved in the case even to exchange pleasantries.
If you become aware of any violation of any of these rules at all, notify court personnel of the violation.]
[Remember what the basic rule means:
Do not communicate in any way (including through an electronic device) to anyone about this case, or to anyone about this case, or to anyone involved in this case, until the trial has ended.
Do not share information, or your thoughts, opinions, views, updates, or impressions about the case or the people or places involved with anyone else through any means. And do not allow anyone else to share with you any such information, thoughts, opinions, views, updates, or impressions.
Avoid all news sources, social media, news televisions, or other informational media until this case is over. Do not research or look up anything or anyone about this case, whether in a book or an electronic device. Do not read or listen to news stories or articles about the case whether in print or on an electronic device, or the television, or the radio. Do not visit the places involved in this case.
NOTE ON USE
The first bracketed portion of this instruction should be given before the first recess.
The second bracketed portion may be given at the court's discretion before any recess.
This instruction may be given at the court's discretion before subsequent recesses.
COMMENT
The second bracketed portion of this instruction repeats the cautions about extrajudicial communications, especially those concerning the use of electronic devices. This portion is provided in case the court, in its discretion, concludes that those points bear repetition.
© 2023 Arkansas Supreme Court Committee on Jury Instructions-Civil
| End of Document |