Rule 51.01: Requests for Instructions.

At the close of the evidence or at such earlier time during the trial as the court reasonably directs, any party may file written requests that the court instruct the jury on the law as set forth in the requests. The court shall inform counsel of its proposed action upon the request prior to their arguments to the jury. The court may, in its discretion, entertain requests for instructions at any time before the jury retires to consider its verdict. [As amended by order filed January 1, 2003, effective July 1, 2003.]