Section 12.16 Prohibited Instructions

• Library: Civil Trial Practice 2015 Supp

M. (§12.16) Prohibited Instructions

MAI prohibits the giving of instructions—primarily sought by defendants—that tell the jury separately from what is already in the verdict director that the defendant may not be found liable if its conduct is not the cause of the plaintiff’s injury. MAI 1.01 [1965 New] prohibits an “unavoidable accident” instruction, MAI 1.03 [1965 New] prohibits a “sole cause” instruction, MAI 1.04 [1965 New] prohibits a “sudden emergency” instruction, and MAI 1.05 [1965 New] prohibits...