Rule 51 - Instructions to Jury(a)Requested Instructions--Objections. At the close of the evidence or at such earlier time as the court reasonably directs, any party may file written requests that the court give the jury specific instructions. The court shall inform counsel of the final form of jury instructions prior to their arguments to the jury. Following the close of the evidence, before or after the arguments of counsel, the court shall instruct the jury. Additionally, the court may give the jury such instructions as it deems necessary at any stage of the trial. No party may assign as error the giving or the failure to give an instruction unless the party objects thereto before the jury retires to consider its verdict, stating distinctly the matter to which the party objects and the grounds of the objection. Opportunity must be given to make the objection out of the hearing of the jury, by excusing the jury or hearing objections in chambers. (b)Instructions to Be Given. The court shall instruct the jury that they are the exclusive judges of all questions of fact and of the effect and value of evidence presented in the action. The court shall instruct the jury on all matters of law that it considers necessary for their information in giving their verdict. Adopted by SCO 5 10/9/1959; amended by SCO 49 effective 1/1/1963; by SCO 79 effective 2/1/1966; by SCO 920 effective 1/15/1989; by SCO 1153 effective 7/15/1994; and by SCO 1436 effective 10/15/2001