AK · jury_instructions
Alaska Civil Pattern Jury Instruction 2.31
Returning a Verdict
The verdict form has a series of questions that the jury must answer. Read the verdict form very carefully. Each question is followed by specific instructions telling you what to do next.
At least [ten] of you must agree to the answer to each question on the verdict form. But the same [ten] people need not agree on each answer. When at least [ten] of you reach agreement on each question that you are required to answer, your foreperson should date and sign the verdict form.
If you agree on a verdict before p.m., your foreperson should advise the bailiff by a written note that you have reached a verdict. The bailiff will advise the court, and the court will contact the parties and counsel. As soon as everyone returns to the courtroom, the jury will present the verdict in open court. After the verdict is presented, members of the jury will be excused.
If you do not agree on a verdict before p.m., but you agree later tonight, your foreperson should date and sign the verdict form and place it, together with the instructions and the exhibits, in the envelope I am giving you. The foreperson will seal the envelope and [keep possession of the sealed envelope] [give the sealed envelope to the bailiff]. [Exhibits that do not fit in the envelope may be kept (insert appropriate place).] If you use this method of sealing your verdict, you must return to the jury room tomorrow morning by ________ a.m. You must not speak with anyone concerning the case and the verdict until the verdict is opened in court in your presence.
If you do not agree on a verdict before ______ p.m., you may return to your homes. You must not talk about the case or your deliberations outside of the jury room. Before you go home, the foreperson of the jury should [take the unsigned verdict form, these instructions and the exhibits, place them in the envelope I am giving you, seal the envelope and [keep possession of the envelope] [give the sealed envelope to bailiff]] [lock the jury room so that the exhibits, instructions, and unsigned verdict form will remain undisturbed]. If you have not agreed on a verdict, you must return to the jury room tomorrow morning by a.m. to continue deliberations.
History
Alaska Civil Pattern Jury Instructions 2.31, dated Revised 1999. The index notes: Formerly 2.28. Prepared by the Alaska Civil Pattern Jury Instructions Committee; published by the Alaska Court System. The Alaska Court System states that these instructions "have not been approved or promulgated by any court or the Alaska Bar Association."
Provenance
- Source
- courts.alaska.gov
- Retrieved
- 2026-09-24
- Edition
- 2026-09-24
- Content hash
18c69e981b16a66f8d363904dff18781d17b3e172dbb2d1d2b1a789a46c7ffe5
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