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Rule 286. Jury May Receive Further Instructions

TEXT

After having retired, the jury may receive further instructions of the court touching any matter of law, either at their request or upon the court’s own motion. For this purpose they shall appear before the judge in open court in a body, and if the instruction is being given at their request, they shall through their foreman state to the court, in writing, the particular question of law upon which they desire further instruction. The court shall give such instruction in writing, but no instruction shall be given except in conformity with the rules relating to the charge. Additional argument may be allowed in the discretion of the court.

Source: Art. 2198.

Change: Authorizing court to give additional instructions on his own motion where deemed proper, and requiring the jury to make its request in writing.

Oct. 29, 1940, eff. Sept. 1, 1941.

AMENDMENTS

Dec. 5, 1983, eff. April 1, 1984

July 15, 1987, eff. Jan. 1, 1988