CACI No. 113. Bias
Judicial Council of California Civil Jury Instructions (2023 edition)
Download PDF
113.Bias
Each one of us has biases about or certain perceptions or stereotypes of
other people. We may be aware of some of our biases, though we may
not share them with others. We may not be fully aware of some of our
other biases.
Our biases often affect how we act, favorably or unfavorably, toward
someone. Bias can affect our thoughts, how we remember, what we see
and hear, whom we believe or disbelieve, and how we make important
decisions.
As jurors you are being asked to make very important decisions in this
case. You must not let bias, prejudice, or public opinion influence your
decision. You must not be biased in favor of or against parties or
witnesses because of their disability, gender, gender identity, gender
expression, race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, age, national
origin, [or] socioeconomic status[, or [insert any other impermissible form
of bias]].
Your verdict must be based solely on the evidence presented. You must
carefully evaluate the evidence and resist any urge to reach a verdict
that is influenced by bias for or against any party or witness.
New June 2010; Revised December 2012, May 2020
Sources and Authority
• Conduct Exhibiting Bias Prohibited. Standard 10.20(a)(2) of the California
Standards of Judicial Administration.
• Judge Must Perform Duties Without Bias. Canon 3(b)(5) of the California Code
of Judicial Ethics.
Secondary Sources
Witkin, California Procedure (5th ed. 2008) Trial, § 132
1 California Trial Guide, Unit 10, Voir Dire Examination, §§ 10.03[1], 10.21[2],
10.50, 10.80, 10.100 (Matthew Bender)
1 Matthew Bender Practice Guide: California Trial and Post-Trial Civil Procedure,
Ch. 6, Jury Selection, § 6.21
29
© Judicial Council of California.
