Illinois Jury Instruction — 6.1 Attorney's Fees And Court Costs In General Explanation: In Illinois, jury instruction 6.1 addresses the subject of attorney's fees and court costs in general. This instruction is given to the jury to provide them with guidance regarding the potential awarding of attorney's fees and court costs as part of a legal case. Attorney's fees and court costs are additional expenses that may be awarded to the prevailing party in a lawsuit. These costs encompass the fees charged by an attorney for their legal services and the expenses associated with court proceedings. When it comes to attorney's fees and court costs, Illinois law operates on the principle known as the "American Rule." Under this rule, each party is typically responsible for bearing their own attorney's fees and court costs, regardless of the outcome of the case. However, there are exceptions to this rule, and circumstances in which one party may be entitled to recover these costs from the opposing party. The Illinois Jury Instruction — 6.1 Attorney's Fees And Court Costs In General specifically addresses this potential exception to the American Rule. It further provides guidance to the jury on the factors to consider when determining the propriety and amount of attorney's fees and court costs that may be awarded in a given case. While variations of the Illinois Jury Instruction — 6.1 Attorney's Fees And Court Costs In General may exist depending on the circumstances of each case or the specific jurisdiction, the core purpose of this instruction remains the same. Its main function is to educate the jury about the possibility of awarding attorney's fees and court costs and guide them in their decision-making process. It is important to note that some cases may have specific Illinois Jury Instructions dedicated to different types of attorney's fees and court costs, depending on the nature of the case. These specialized instructions could be related to areas such as personal injury, employment discrimination, intellectual property disputes, or contractual matters. In conclusion, the Illinois Jury Instruction — 6.1 Attorney's Fees And Court Costs In General guides the jury in understanding the potential for awarding attorney's fees and court costs in a case, providing them with the necessary information to make an informed decision. While variations of this instruction may exist depending on the circumstances, its purpose is to ensure fairness and clarity when considering these additional legal expenses.