Michigan law mandates that judges control trial proceedings, instruct juries on applicable law, and make comments as needed for justice. If a defendant claims insanity, specific jury instructions are required before and after trial. The law also clarifies circumstances under which a judge's failure to instruct does not invalidate a verdict.
The judge must control all proceedings, ensure relevant evidence and arguments are presented efficiently, and instruct the jury on the applicable law.
Yes, if the defendant claims insanity, the judge must instruct the jury on relevant laws before and after the presentation of evidence.
No, unless the defendant specifically requests the instruction, failure to instruct on a point of law generally does not set aside the verdict.
Yes, the law requires instructions for verdicts such as guilty, guilty but mentally ill, not guilty by reason of insanity, and not guilty.