This 2024 edition of the North Carolina Pattern Jury Instructions is dedicated to Steve Winsett. In 1996, Steve and The Raleigh Computer Corporation (TRCC), now CX Corporation, brought the instructions into the computer age, creating a product that has enabled North Carolina Superior Court judges to provide consistent and accurate instructions to juries for decades. Starting only with a vision, Steve created Research Assistant, a database of instructions that can be instantly updated and electronically distributed to all North Carolina courtrooms. Research Assistant became the foundation for the North Carolina Bar Association’s Casemaker, an online service available to members. The profound impact that Steve has had on the North Carolina court system and on North Carolina’s citizens will be felt for many generations.
The North Carolina Conference of Superior Court Judges Committee on Pattern Jury Instructions will remember Steve and his contributions with much fondness, admiration, and gratitude.
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North Carolina Pattern Jury Instructions are sample jury instructions organized by legal topic. Trial judges use them for particular cases based on the relevant law and facts, and share them with juries as guidance for reaching a decision in their cases. The instructions are created and compiled by The Pattern Jury Instruction Committee, made up of trial judges assisted by the School of Government and supported by the North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts. The Committee publishes annual supplements, based on changes in statutory and case law.
Pattern Jury Instructions may be downloaded for free in PDF format. Or, they may be purchased in software or hard copy formats.
The Committee may identify new or updated instructions that are too important to wait until annual supplements are distributed. Interim Instructions will be posted here. They will remain posted to the site until supplements that will include these instructions are available.
Interim Instructions Listserv: You may check here periodically for Interim Instructions or join the Pattern Jury Interim Instructions Listserv to receive notification when Interim Instructions are posted here.
