Jury instructions - Past, present, and future

This introduction provides an overview of the relevant issues addressed in this special theme issue of Psychology, Public Policy, and Law, which is de voted to the topic of jury instructions. It begins with a brief history of jury instruction research. This is followed by a summary of the articles re presented in this issue. Next, the strengths and weaknesses of the typical methodology used in jury instruction research are considered. Finally, the specific goals of this special issue are addressed.