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.
Oklahoma Instruction to Jury as to Evidence of Conversion is a crucial legal guideline followed in Oklahoma courts during cases that involve allegations of conversion. Conversion refers to a civil action where a person wrongfully takes or retains someone else's personal property without their consent or proper authorization. This legal instruction aims to provide clarity to the jury regarding the types of evidence that can be considered in establishing conversion claims and the necessary elements to prove the offense. In Oklahoma, there are several types of instructions that can be given to the jury when it comes to evidence of conversion. These include: 1. Oklahoma Instruction to Jury as to Evidence of Conversion — Essential Elements: This instruction outlines the essential elements required to prove a conversion claim. It typically emphasizes that the plaintiff must demonstrate that the defendant intentionally and wrongfully deprived them of their property, without their consent, and by exercising control over it. Additionally, it may specify that the plaintiff must have suffered losses or damages as a direct result of the defendant's actions. 2. Oklahoma Instruction to Jury as to Evidence of Conversion — Lack of Consent: This instruction sheds light on the importance of consent in a conversion claim. It instructs the jury to consider whether the plaintiff willingly granted permission or authorized the defendant to exercise control over their property. If the jury finds that there was consent or authorization, it may affect the conversion claim. 3. Oklahoma Instruction to Jury as to Evidence of Conversion — Intentional Act: This instruction directs the jury to consider the defendant's intent behind their actions. It emphasizes that conversion requires an intentional act by the defendant, meaning they purposefully exercised control over the plaintiff's property, knowing it was without permission or proper authority. The jury may evaluate the defendant's state of mind, motive, and any evidence of premeditation in determining whether an intentional act occurred. 4. Oklahoma Instruction to Jury as to Evidence of Conversion — Damages and Valuation: This instruction informs the jury about the significance of damages and valuation in a conversion claim. It clarifies that the plaintiff must establish the value of the property that was converted and the monetary losses suffered as a result. The jury will be guided to assess evidence provided by both parties regarding the value of the property to determine suitable compensatory measures. 5. Oklahoma Instruction to Jury as to Evidence of Conversion — Affirmative Defenses: This instruction educates the jury about possible affirmative defenses that the defendant might assert against a conversion claim. It may instruct the jury to consider whether the defendant acted in good faith, with lawful authority, or under a valid belief of ownership or right to possession. If the defendant successfully proves an affirmative defense, it can undermine the plaintiff's conversion claim. Overall, these various types of Oklahoma Instructions to Jury as to Evidence of Conversion are designed to ensure fair and consistent judgments in conversion cases, providing both the jury and the parties involved with the necessary legal framework to understand and assess the evidence.
