WPIC 4.60 Introduction

The instructions in this chapter are not generally part of the court's written instructions on the law. They are designed to be used orally by the court as the particular situation arises during the course of a trial. In Greene v. Rothschild, 60 Wn.2d 508, 374 P.2d 566 (1962), overruled on other grounds by 68 Wn.2d 1, 402 P.2d 356 (1965), the court held that the requirement that instructions be in writing (see CrR 6.15 and CrRLJ 6.15) applies only to instructions on the law and not to necessary admonitions to the jury during trial. Such directions and admonitions to the jury are necessary in order to conduct an orderly trial and to let the jury understand the proceedings and what is expected of them. Lawyers should orally request that the judge give these instructions, directions, or admonitions to the jury at any time during the trial that their use is appropriate.