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.
New Hampshire Instruction to Jury as to Evidence of Conversion: The New Hampshire Instruction to Jury as to Evidence of Conversion provides guidance to jurors when evaluating cases involving conversion, which refers to the wrongful exercise of control or ownership over someone else's property. It instructs jurors on the standards and elements they need to consider while assessing evidence related to conversion claims. Keywords: New Hampshire, Instruction, Jury, Evidence, Conversion Types of New Hampshire Instructions to Jury as to Evidence of Conversion: 1. Standard Instruction: The standard New Hampshire Instruction to Jury as to Evidence of Conversion outlines the fundamental principles and guidelines applicable to all conversion cases. Jurors are provided with clear instructions on the specific evidence they need to consider and how to evaluate it when determining whether conversion has occurred. 2. Elements of Conversion Instruction: This type of instruction focuses on outlining the essential elements that must be proven by the plaintiff in order to succeed in a conversion claim. Jurors are informed about the specific elements, such as the plaintiff's ownership or right to possess the property, the defendant's intentional and wrongful exercise of control over the property, and the resultant damages to the plaintiff. 3. Burden of Proof Instruction: The New Hampshire Instruction to Jury as to Evidence of Conversion also includes instructions regarding the burden of proof. Jurors are informed that the plaintiff has the burden to prove the elements of conversion by a preponderance of the evidence. The instruction clarifies that if the plaintiff fails to meet this burden, the verdict should be in favor of the defendant. 4. Defenses to Conversion Instruction: In some cases, defendants may assert certain defenses against conversion claims. This instruction provides guidance to jurors in evaluating the evidence presented by the defendant in support of their defenses, such as a claim of rightful ownership, consent from the plaintiff, or a mistake of fact. Jurors are instructed to carefully consider this evidence when determining whether the defendant can be held liable for conversion. 5. Damages Instruction: This type of instruction highlights the various types of damages that may be awarded in a successful conversion claim. It instructs jurors on assessing the value of the converted property, any consequential damages suffered by the plaintiff, and any other applicable damages such as mental distress or punitive damages if warranted. Overall, the New Hampshire Instruction to Jury as to Evidence of Conversion provides a comprehensive framework for jurors to consider the evidence and reach a fair and just verdict in conversion cases.