5th Cir. Pattern Jury Instr. (Criminal) 1.04

You, as jurors, are the judges of the facts. But in determining what actually happened—

that is, in reaching your decision as to the facts—it is your sworn duty to follow all of the rules of

law as I explain them to you.

You have no right to disregard or give special attention to any one instruction, or to

question the wisdom or correctness of any rule I may state to you. You must not substitute or

follow your own notion or opinion as to what the law is or ought to be. It is your duty to apply the

law as I explain it to you, regardless of the consequences.

It is also your duty to base your verdict solely upon the evidence, without prejudice or

sympathy, and without consulting any outside or online source or materials. That was the promise

you made and the oath you took before being accepted by the parties as jurors, and they have the

right to expect nothing less.