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.
Guam Instruction to Jury as to Evidence of Conversion is a crucial legal directive given by the court to guide the jury in understanding and evaluating the evidence presented in a conversion case. Conversion refers to the unlawful possession or interference with another person's property rights, depriving them of the rightful use or ownership. One type of Guam Instruction to Jury as to Evidence of Conversion is the "Elements of Conversion Instruction." This specific instruction outlines the essential elements required to prove a claim of conversion. These elements typically include showing that the defendant intentionally and wrongfully exercised control over the plaintiff's property, thereby interfering with the plaintiff's right to possession. Another type of instruction is the "Burden of Proof Instruction." This instruction highlights the plaintiff's responsibility to prove the elements of conversion by a preponderance of the evidence—meaning the evidence must establish that it is more likely than not that the defendant committed conversion. Furthermore, the "Defenses Instruction" informs the jury about potential arguments made by the defendant to refute the claim of conversion. This instruction may cover defenses such as mistake, consent, privilege, or justification for their actions. It reminds the jury to consider whether any of these defenses have been successfully presented by the defendant. Additionally, a "Damages Instruction" may be given to instruct the jury on assessing the appropriate damages if they find the defendant liable for conversion. This instruction clarifies the various types of damages the plaintiff may be entitled to, such as compensatory damages to cover the value of the converted property, consequential damages, or even punitive damages in cases involving willful or malicious conduct. Throughout the trial, the jury is expected to rely on the Guam Instruction to Jury as to Evidence of Conversion to understand the legal principles and concepts related to conversion, enabling them to decide the case based on the presented evidence and applicable laws. These instructions play a crucial role in ensuring a fair and just resolution of conversion claims in Guam's judicial system.
