Why does a judge instruct a jury about the law?

A judge instructs a jury on the law to provide the necessary guidance for jurors to reach a just and legally sound verdict. Because jurors are typically laypersons, they require professional direction to understand the specific legal standards and rules that govern the case they are deciding.123

The process of instructing the jury functions as a critical component of judicial control over the trial. The procedure generally follows these steps:2

• Proposal: Both parties in the case propose specific instructions for the judge to consider.1
• Selection: The judge reviews these proposals and selects the instructions that accurately reflect the applicable law.1
• Objection: Before the jury is instructed, the judge allows the parties to object to any proposed instructions outside the presence of the jury. Failure to object at this stage generally prevents a party from challenging the instructions later on appeal.1

By providing these instructions, the judge ensures that the jury applies the correct legal framework to the facts of the case, maintaining the integrity of the procedural law and the administration of justice.13