Trial judges may use PowerPoint presentations as aids to the delivery of jury directions, and there is considerable utility in doing so, but care must be taken to ensure the jury understands the oral charge is the primary instruction. The failure of trial counsel to take exception to directions will ordinarily be a powerful indicator that no substantial wrong or miscarriage has been occasioned. A judge directing a jury is required to explain in clear and simple terms only so much of the law as the jury needs to understand to decide the case, and is not required to direct on matters not in issue.
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