Rule 28.01 Approved Pattern Instructions and Verdict Forms

When a criminal case goes to trial in Missouri, the judge has to give the jury instructions on the law. These instructions tell jurors what the law says and how to apply it to the facts of the case. To keep things consistent across the state, the Missouri Supreme Court creates standard instruction forms that judges use in these trials.

These standard forms are called "Missouri Approved Instructions - Criminal," often shortened to MAI-CR. Each one has a number and edition, so judges and lawyers can reference the exact version they're using. The forms also come with notes that explain how and when to use them.

For someone involved in a criminal case, this means the instructions the jury receives are not made up on the spot. They come from an approved, standardized set of forms that courts across Missouri use. This helps make sure jurors in different courtrooms get consistent, clear guidance on the law, no matter where the trial happens.