Conn. Crim. Jury Instr. 2.10-2

If you took notes during the evidence, you may use them during deliberations and you may

discuss your notes with your fellow jurors. Remember that notes are merely aids to your

memory and should not be given precedence over your independent recollection of the evidence.

If there is a conflict between your recollection and your notes or the notes of any other juror, it is

your recollection of the evidence that must prevail.

Your notes or the notes of any other juror are not evidence. You will recall my earlier definition

of what constitutes evidence. Your verdict must be based exclusively on evidence presented at

trial and the principles of law given to you in these final instructions.

A juror who has not taken notes should rely on his or her recollection of the evidence and should

not be influenced by the fact that other jurors have taken notes. Notes are only a tool and are not

always accurate. Do not assume that a voluminous note-taker has taken notes that are

necessarily more accurate than your memory.

You may discuss your notes with your fellow jurors during the deliberation phase. The decision

to do so is yours and yours alone. After the trial is concluded all notes will be collected by the

court staff and destroyed.

I remind you that you have the right to request portions of the testimony to be read back to you,

if you deem it essential during your deliberations. You will have all the exhibits with you during

your deliberations.

2.10-3A Sympathy

In deciding whether the defendant is guilty or not guilty, you should not concern yourselves with

the punishment or potential consequence in the event of a conviction. This is a matter

exclusively within the court’s function under the limitations and restrictions imposed by statute.

You are to find the defendant guilty or not guilty uninfluenced by the possible punishment or

consequence that may follow conviction.

You should not be influenced by any sympathy for the defendant, the defendant’s family, the

(complainant / decedent), the (complainant’s / decedent’s) family, or for any other person who

might in any way be affected by your decision.