ID · jury_instructions
ICJI 101
Nature of Trial
ICJI 101 NATURE OF TRIAL
Now that you have been sworn as jurors to try this case, I want to go over with you what will be happening. I will describe how the trial will be conducted and what we will be doing. At the end of the trial, I will give you more detailed guidance on how you are to reach your decision.
Because the state has the burden of proof, it goes first. After the state's opening statement, the defense may make an opening statement, or may wait until the state has presented its case.
The state will offer evidence that it says will support the charge(s) against the defendant. The defense may then present evidence, but is not required to do so. If the defense does present evidence, the state may then present rebuttal evidence. This is evidence offered to answer the defense's evidence.
After you have heard all the evidence, I will give you additional instructions on the law. After you have heard the instructions, the state and the defense will each be given time for closing arguments. In their closing arguments, they will summarize the evidence to help you understand how it relates to the law. Just as the opening statements are not evidence, neither are the closing arguments. After the closing arguments, you will leave the courtroom together to make your decision. During your deliberations, you will have with you my instructions, the exhibits admitted into evidence and any notes taken by you in court.
Provenance
- Source
- isc.idaho.gov
- Retrieved
- 2026-08-21
- Edition
- 2026-08-20
- Content hash
013ace6f4f8774e08798f1af9c543e2e333bcd265e851df7f37a7c9e553c2155
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