Rule 42.02 Presentation of Jury Instructions

Lawyers on both sides need to write out the instructions they want the judge to read to the jury before the trial starts. These instructions have to include the legal rules or cases that back them up. If the judge asks for verdict forms or special written questions for the jury, the lawyers need to prepare those too.

These documents must be turned in to the judge and given to the other side's lawyer at least three business days before trial begins. The judge can also set a different deadline if needed, so it's important to check if the court has given any special instructions about timing.

This rule matters because it gives everyone a fair chance to review what will be presented to the jury before the trial actually starts. It stops lawyers from surprising each other with new legal arguments or instructions at the last minute, and it gives the judge time to review everything before the trial gets underway.