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.
Iowa Instruction to Jury as to the Definition of Conversion serves as a crucial guide for jurors to understand the legal concept of conversion in the context of Iowa law. Conversion is a civil tort that refers to the wrongful act of exercising control over another person's property without their consent, thereby depriving them of their possessor or ownership rights. This instruction ensures that jurors are well-informed about the elements and legal standards required to establish a claim of conversion. The Iowa Instruction to Jury as to the Definition of Conversion typically includes the following key points: 1. Definition: Conversion is defined as the intentional exercise of control over the property of another, which interferes with the owner's possessor or ownership rights, without lawful justification. 2. Elements of Conversion: Jurors are instructed to consider the following elements that must be proven by the plaintiff in order to establish a claim of conversion: a. The defendant's control or improper handling of the property. b. The plaintiff's ownership or right to possess the property. c. The defendant's intentional exercise of control or interference with the plaintiff's ownership rights. d. The plaintiff's lack of consent or legal justification for the defendant's actions. e. The plaintiff's resulting harm or damages. 3. Burden of Proof: The burden of proving each element of conversion rests with the plaintiff. They must provide sufficient evidence to convince the jury that it is more likely than not that the defendant committed conversion. 4. Conversion versus Other Claims: The instruction may also address the distinction between conversion and other related claims, such as theft, trespass, or breach of contract. Conversion typically involves the wrongful exercise of control over property, whereas these other claims may involve different elements and legal considerations. 5. Defense and Justification: The instruction may outline certain possible defenses or justifications that the defendant can assert to avoid liability for conversion. These may include the claim of having a lawful authority, consent, or a good faith belief in the property's ownership. It's important to note that there could be multiple variations and types of Iowa Instructions to Jury as to the Definition of Conversion, depending on the specific context or case at hand. These variations may address different elements, defenses, or legal standards relevant to the particular conversion claim being considered. It is advisable for the jury to carefully listen to the judge's instructions and consult the applicable law to determine the specific instructions provided in their case.
