Legal Definitions - charge conference

A charge conference is a meeting between a judge and the attorneys of both parties in a trial. The purpose of this meeting is to develop a jury charge, which is a set of instructions that the judge gives to the jury before they begin their deliberations.

During the charge conference, the judge and attorneys discuss the specific language and wording of the jury charge. The attorneys may suggest changes or additions to the charge, and the judge will ultimately decide what instructions to give to the jury.

For example, in a criminal trial, the jury charge may include instructions on the burden of proof, the elements of the crime, and the definition of reasonable doubt. In a civil trial, the jury charge may include instructions on the legal standards for negligence or breach of contract.

The purpose of the charge conference is to ensure that the jury receives clear and accurate instructions on the law that applies to the case. This helps to ensure a fair and just outcome for all parties involved.