The introduction of the evidence is followed by the arguments of counsel, after which the court charges the jury in the form of instructions. The object of instructions is to inform the jury what are the precise principles or rules of law applicable to the evidence, and to explain the issues, that the jury may have a clear understanding of their duty in reaching a verdict.1

The instructions are usually prepared by counsel for the respective sides by the time the evidence is all introduced, and submitted to the court for approval. If the judge approves the instructions he marks them given, and reads them to the jury; but if any of them do not, in his judgment, properly state the law, he marks them refused, and they are filed in the cause by the clerk of the court.2 Or the court may modify any of the instructions requested and give them as modified.3