Maryland Jury Instruction — 6.1 Attorney's Fees And Court Costs In General: The Maryland Jury Instruction — 6.1 Attorney's Fees And Court Costs In General is a legal guideline provided to juries in Maryland courts. This instruction helps jurors understand the concept of attorney's fees and court costs in a general context during a trial. Attorney's fees and court costs refer to the expenses incurred by a party during a legal proceeding. These expenses include the fees charged by lawyers for their services, as well as miscellaneous costs related to the court process, such as filing fees and document production costs. In a legal case, the court may award attorney's fees and court costs to the prevailing party. The prevailing party refers to the side that wins the case, or a significant portion of it, either through a verdict or a settlement agreement. However, it is important for the jury to note that the awarding of attorney's fees and court costs is not mandatory and may vary depending on the circumstances of the case. The purpose of awarding attorney's fees and court costs is to compensate the prevailing party for the expenses incurred during the litigation process. It ensures that the prevailing party is not burdened by the financial costs of pursuing a legal claim or defending themselves against one. There are various types of Maryland Jury Instruction — 6.1 Attorney's Fees And Court Costs In General that may be applicable depending on the specific type of case. Some of them include: 1. Plaintiff's Attorney's Fees And Court Costs: This instruction provides guidance to the jury on the potential awarding of attorney's fees and court costs to the plaintiff if they prevail in the case. It explains the factors the jury should consider when determining the reasonableness of the fees and costs incurred. 2. Defendant's Attorney's Fees And Court Costs: This instruction explains the circumstances under which the defendant may be entitled to attorney's fees and court costs if they prevail in the case. It helps the jury understand the criteria for assessing the reasonableness of the fees and costs incurred by the defendant. 3. Cross-Claims and Counterclaims for Attorney's Fees And Court Costs: This instruction comes into play when there are cross-claims or counterclaims made by multiple parties involved in the case. It clarifies the jury's role in determining the allocation of attorney's fees and court costs among the parties based on the outcome of those claims. 4. Discretion of the Court in Awarding Attorney's Fees And Court Costs: This instruction informs the jury about the discretion held by the court in awarding attorney's fees and court costs. It explains that the court may consider various factors, including the reasonableness and necessity of the fees and costs, when making its decision. In summary, the Maryland Jury Instruction — 6.1 Attorney's Fees And Court Costs In General provides jurors with essential information about the concept of attorney's fees and court costs in a trial. Understanding these instructions helps the jury make informed decisions regarding the potential allocation of expenses to the prevailing party based on the circumstances of the case.