In Re: Standard Jury Instructions in Civil, Criminal, and Contract & Business Cases – Jurors' Use of Electronic Devices

Summary

The Court authorized amended civil, criminal, contract and business, and sexually violent predator standard jury instructions addressing jurors’ use of electronic devices. The amendments conform the instructions to the governing administrative rule, preserve trial judges’ discretion over when devices are removed, and warn that violations may result in a mistrial or contempt sanctions. The Court expressly stated that authorization for publication and use does not decide the instructions’ legal correctness. No separate opinions were filed.