It always makes sense to look at jury instructions at the beginning of a case. In drafting a complaint, plaintiffs' lawyers will learn what evidence they will need to plead and prove in order to get to a jury. Defense lawyers will learn ways of preventing this that might not have been obvious until they took a look at the instructions. (Reminder: Some of the Illinois Pattern Instructions are online.)
The Illinois Pattern Instructions also include information about Illinois substantive law that can be helpful to know at all stages of the trial-preparation process.
You are lucky that Illinois Jury Instructions are online. In many jurisdictions, they are not and frequently require a library visit. That is unfortunate, since erroneous jury instructions offer fertile ground for successful appeals. Consequently, making sure jury instructions are correct from the outset - and propertly preserving objection to erroneous instructions - is a critical part of the trial process so courts should make sure that jury instructions are readily accessible.
Posted by: Carolyn Elefant | August 19, 2004 at 11:08 PM