Ohio Jury Instruction 3.2 Civil Theft is a legal instruction provided to juries in Ohio when deliberating civil theft cases. This instruction guides the jury in understanding the elements necessary to find someone liable for civil theft under Ohio law. In Ohio, civil theft refers to the intentional taking or unauthorized control over someone else's property without their consent, with the intent to permanently deprive them of its use or possession. To establish a civil theft claim, the following elements must typically be proven: 1. Unauthorized Control: The plaintiff must demonstrate that the defendant exercised unauthorized control over their property. This can include situations where the defendant physically removes or conceals the property, or gains control over it in any unauthorized manner. 2. Intent: The plaintiff must establish that the defendant had the specific intent to permanently deprive them of their property. This intent can be inferred from the defendant's actions or circumstances of the unauthorized control. 3. Plaintiff's Ownership: The plaintiff must prove that they were the rightful owner or had a legal interest in the property at the time of the alleged theft. 4. Damages: The plaintiff must demonstrate that they suffered damages as a result of the defendant's actions. This can include the reduction in value of the property, loss of income, or other financial losses directly resulting from the theft. Civil theft cases often involve a wide range of property, such as money, goods, intellectual property, or other valuable assets. However, it is important to note that civil theft can occur in various contexts, including employer-employee disputes, business-related theft, theft by a consumer, or even theft between individuals. It is crucial for the jury to carefully consider all the evidence presented during the trial to determine whether the defendant is liable for civil theft. The instructions may vary depending on the specific circumstances of the case, such as the type of property involved or the relationships between the parties. It is important to consult with a qualified attorney who has expertise in Ohio law when dealing with civil theft cases. They can provide further guidance on the specific jury instructions applicable to different types of civil theft claims, such as employee theft, theft of trade secrets, or conversion of funds. Proper understanding of Ohio Jury Instruction 3.2 Civil Theft is essential for accurately determining liability in civil theft cases and ensuring justice is served.