Trial lawyers know that effective preparation begins where the trial itself will end—with jury instructions. Instructions define key terms for the jury, outline the elements of a legal relationship, duty or breach, and explain damages and burdens of proof. They do the same for the practitioner preparing to prosecute or defend a civil action, whether or not trial by jury is anticipated. Jury instructions also serve as a roadmap for case preparation, and as a checklist when marshaling proof. Access to current, complete, and authoritative instructions, therefore, is essential for trial planning, and for more than 40 years the MSBA’s Maryland Civil Pattern Jury Instructions (MPJI-Cv) have been the practitioner’s first stop in the trial prep process. This tradition continues with the release of Maryland Civil Pattern Jury Instructions, Fifth Edition with 2022 Replacement Pages, containing new instructions, revised commentary, and updated case citations. It is now available in hard-copy and electronic formats.
The 2022 updates reflect the work of a panel of accomplished attorneys, judges and academics who annually review the instructions and commentary that accompanies each entry. The committee members ensure accuracy and continuity by engaging in the exacting process established years ago by their predecessors, when pattern jury instructions were first introduced to the public.
Since its first publication in 1978, Maryland lawyers and judges have used the Maryland Civil Pattern Jury Instructions for clear, concise, and easy to understand statements of legal principles that govern civil duties, obligations, and disputes. Arranged alphabetically by topic, from Adverse Possession and Agency, to Wills & Estates and Workers’ Comp, step-by-step instructions provide the practitioner, jury, and judge with definitions, outlines of the elements, and evidence needed to prove a civil cause of action, damages, and other available remedies, and the appropriate burdens of proof. The jury instructions are indexed, internally cross-referenced, and listed in a detailed table of contents, and in a separate table that identifies new, renumbered and superseded instructions from prior editions.
While the instructions themselves are an invaluable, time-saving resource, this publication has historically distinguished itself with detailed commentary regarding how and when to use or modify the instructions, supported by extensive citations to relevant case law, statutes and rules. Whether thumbing through actual pages or searching electronically, Maryland Civil Pattern Jury Instructions, Fifth Edition with 2022 Replacement Pages puts an entire legal encyclopedia at its users’ fingertips, providing ready access to black letter law, nuanced discussion of applicable legal principles, and references to governing legal authority.
Reflecting changes in the law, Maryland Civil Pattern Jury Instructions, Fifth Edition with 2022 Replacement Pages, the 2022 update brings this valuable work up to the minute with four new instructions–Damages for Injuries or Death Caused to Pets (MPJI-Cv 4:4), Prejudgment Interest (MPJI-Cv 10:23), Intentional Interference with Parent-Child Relationship (MPJI-Cv 21:7) and Harassment–No Tangible Employment Action (MPJI-Cv 22:11(A)); revised instructions on Property Damages (MPJI-Cv 10:22e), Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist–Damages (MPJI-Cv 18:16), Employment Discrimination (MPJI-Cv 22:5), and Harassment (MPJI-Cv 22:10); and updated and expanded commentary, new case law, and statutory references.
MPJI-Cv continues to serve as the Maryland lawyer’s first, and last, step in the trial preparation process. It clearly is not just for jurors anymore!
To order your copy of the Maryland Civil Pattern Jury Instructions (Fifth Edition, 2022 Replacement Pages) online, click here.