About Jury Instructions
Before jurors begin deliberations, the judge will often instruct the jury concerning the law. See the American Bar Association's page on How Courts Work for more information on the role and purpose of jury instructions.
Many states, including Washington, have developed "pattern" instructions for judges to use in civil and criminal cases. These are written by the attorneys and judges who are members of the Washington Pattern Jury Instruction Committee.
Online Sources
- Pattern Jury Instructions [Washington Courts]Links to a free site maintained by Thomson Reuters. Includes instructions for civil and criminal matters.
Print Sources
Washington Pattern Jury Instructions - Civil, 6th ed.Call Number: Reference Area (KFW80 .W3 v.6-6A 2012)Publication Date: 2012Published as volumes 6 and 6A of the Washington Practice Series.
Washington Pattern Jury Instructions - Criminal, 3d ed.Call Number: Reference Area (KFW80 .W3 v.11-11A 2008)Publication Date: 2008 & 2014-15 supplementPublished as volumes 11 and 11A of the Washington Practice Series