A jury instruction is the judge's oral explanation of the law governing a case. Jury instructions are given after the attorneys have presented all the evidence and have made final arguments, but before the jury begins deliberations. Improper explanations of the law to be applied in jury instructions are often the basis for later appeals.
Connecticut Instruction to Jury as to Evidence of Conversion is a legal instruction that provides guidance to the jury regarding the evidence necessary to establish a claim of conversion in the state of Connecticut. Conversion refers to the wrongful exercise of control over someone else's personal property, depriving the rightful owner of its use and enjoyment. In Connecticut, there are different types of instructions to the jury when it comes to evidence of conversion, including: 1. Connecticut Instruction to Jury as to Evidence of Conversion — Elements: This instruction outlines the essential elements that must be proven to establish a claim of conversion. These elements typically include: (a) the plaintiff's ownership or right to possess the property, (b) the defendant's control or assertion of control over the property, (c) the defendant's intent to exercise control inconsistent with the plaintiff's rights, and (d) damages suffered by the plaintiff as a result. 2. Connecticut Instruction to Jury as to Evidence of Conversion — Burden of Proof: This instruction explains the burden of proof placed upon the plaintiff in a conversion case. It instructs the jury that the plaintiff has the burden to prove each element of the claim by a preponderance of the evidence, meaning that the evidence presented must be more persuasive and convincing than the opposing party's evidence. 3. Connecticut Instruction to Jury as to Evidence of Conversion — Affirmative Defenses: This instruction addresses potential affirmative defenses that the defendant may raise in response to a conversion claim. These defenses might include the defendant's lawful authority or right to possess the property, the absence of intent to exercise control inconsistent with the plaintiff's rights, or any other valid justification for the defendant's actions. 4. Connecticut Instruction to Jury as to Evidence of Conversion — Measure of Damages: This instruction guides the jury on how to calculate the amount of damages to be awarded if they find in favor of the plaintiff in a conversion case. It explains that the damages should generally reflect the value of the converted property at the time of the conversion, as well as any additional losses suffered by the plaintiff as a direct result of the conversion. These various instructions ensure that the jury in a conversion case has a clear understanding of the necessary evidence, burden of proof, potential defenses, and the appropriate measure of damages. By providing this guidance, the instructions help to ensure a fair and consistent application of the law in Connecticut.
