Beyond Plain Language: A Learner-Centered Approach to Pattern Jury Instructions

Abstract

Before a jury begins deliberation, judges provide instructions to guide jury decision-making. Unfortunately, extant literature has demonstrated poor comprehension of these instructions. Although there have been attempts to simplify the language of these instructions, plain language may not be enough to ensure comprehension. Instead, the principles of technical communication advocate the adoption of a learner-centered perspective and suggest increased novice–expert interactions to assist jurors in comprehending the task assigned to them.