When you retire you will discuss the case with the other jurors to reach agreement if you can do so. You shall permit your foreperson to preside over your deliberations and your foreperson will speak for you here in Court. Your verdict must be unanimous.
CONSIDERATION OF EVIDENCE
Your verdict must be based solely on the evidence and on the law as I have given it to you in these instructions.REACHING AGREEMENT
Each of you must decide the case for yourself, but you should do so only after considering all the evidence, discussing it fully with the other jurors, and listening to their views.Do not be afraid to change your opinion if you think you are wrong. But do not come to a decision simply because other jurors think it is right.
This case has taken time and effort to prepare and try. There is no reason to think it could be better tried or that another jury is better qualified to decide it. It is important therefore that you reach a verdict if you can do so conscientiously. If it looks at some point as if you may have difficulty in reaching a unanimous verdict, and if the greater number of you are agreed on a verdict, the jurors in both the majority and the minority should reexamine their positions to see whether they have given careful consideration and sufficient weight to the evidence that has favorably impressed the jurors who disagree with them. You should not hesitate to reconsider your views from time to time and to change them if you are persuaded that this is appropriate.
It is important that you attempt to return a verdict but, of course, only if each of you can do so after having made his or her own conscientious determination. Do not surrender an honest conviction as to the weight and effect of the evidence simply to reach a verdict.
RETURN OF VERDICT FORM
After you have reached unanimous agreement on a verdict, your foreperson will fill in the form that has been given to you, sign and date it. Do not give that form to the jury officer outside your door. Instead, just give him a note that states that you are ready to return to the courtroom.After you return to the courtroom, your foreperson will deliver the completed verdict form as directed in open Court.
