In re Standard Jury Instructions in Civil Cases—Report No. 2014-02

Summary

The Florida Supreme Court authorizes amendments to civil jury instructions 201.2, concerning the introduction of participants and their roles, and 202.4, concerning juror questions. The amendments address juror communications with the court and courtroom personnel, juror use of electronic devices, independent research, and written questions for witnesses.

Holdings

1. The Court authorized the amended standard jury instructions for publication and use.
2. Authorization for publication and use does not foreclose requests for additional or alternative instructions or challenges to the legal correctness of the instructions.

Questions Presented

1. Whether the Supreme Court should authorize the proposed amendments to Florida Standard Jury Instructions in Civil Cases 201.2 and 202.4.
2. Whether authorization of the amended instructions should foreclose requests for additional or alternative instructions or challenges to their legal correctness.

Disposition

approved