District of Columbia Jury Instruction — 3.3 Breach of Fiduciary Duty is a legal instruction that pertains to a specific type of claim in civil litigation cases. This instruction guides the jury on how to assess and determine if a fiduciary duty has been breached by a defendant. A fiduciary duty is a legal obligation that requires an individual or entity to act in the best interests of another party. This duty often arises in professional relationships, such as those between attorneys and their clients, trustees and beneficiaries, corporate officers and shareholders, or agents and principals. When the issue of a breach of fiduciary duty is raised in a civil lawsuit, District of Columbia Jury Instruction — 3.3 provides guidance to the jury on the legal elements they need to consider in order to reach a verdict. The instruction typically covers: 1. Introduction: The instruction provides an overview of the case and the allegation that the defendant breached their fiduciary duty. 2. Definition of Fiduciary Duty: The instruction explains the concept of a fiduciary duty and outlines the specific legal obligations imposed on the defendant based on the nature of the relationship with the plaintiff. 3. Standard of Care: The instruction clarifies the standard of care expected from the defendant in fulfilling their fiduciary duty. It may mention the importance of acting in good faith, with loyalty, and with a reasonable level of skill and diligence. 4. Breach of Fiduciary Duty: The instruction instructs the jury on what constitutes a breach of fiduciary duty. It may elaborate on specific actions or omissions by the defendant that could be considered a violation of their obligations. 5. Causation and Damages: The instruction explains that to find the defendant liable for breach of fiduciary duty, the jury must also determine whether the breach caused harm or monetary damages to the plaintiff. It is important to note that there might be variations or specific jury instructions tailored to different types of fiduciary relationships. For instance, District of Columbia Jury Instruction — 3.3 may have variations for claims involving attorneys, trustees, corporate officers, or agents. These variations would take into account the unique responsibilities and legal duties associated with each relationship. In summary, District of Columbia Jury Instruction — 3.3 Breach of Fiduciary Duty provides the jury with a framework for evaluating claims of fiduciary duty breach. It explains the legal principles and factors they should consider determining if the defendant failed to fulfill their fiduciary obligations, resulting in harm or damages to the plaintiff.