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 that Intent is not an Essential Element of Conversion is a crucial legal concept in the state of Oklahoma. This instruction specifically pertains to cases involving conversion, a tort law that refers to the act of wrongfully interfering with someone else's property, depriving them of its possession or use. In Oklahoma, there are various types of Instructions to Jury related to the concept that intent is not an essential element of conversion. These instructions may include: 1. Oklahoma Instruction to Jury on Strict Liability Conversion: This instruction emphasizes that intent is not necessary for liability in conversion cases, and regardless of whether the defendant intended to convert the property, they can still be held responsible for their actions. 2. Oklahoma Instruction to Jury on Negligent Conversion: This type of instruction applies in cases where the defendant negligently converts someone's property without intending to do so. It highlights that the defendant's lack of intent does not absolve them from liability if their negligence results in the conversion of another's property. 3. Oklahoma Instruction to Jury on Conversion by Mistake: This instruction addresses cases where the defendant mistakenly converts the property, believing it to be their own or having a good-faith belief of ownership. It clarifies that intent to convert is not required, and even unintentional conversion can lead to liability. 4. Oklahoma Instruction to Jury on Conversion by Unauthorized Transfer: This instruction focuses on cases where the defendant transfers someone's property without proper authority, even if they did not intend to permanently deprive the owner of possession. It underscores that intent is not a determining factor for liability, and the unauthorized transfer itself constitutes conversion. 5. Oklahoma Instruction to Jury on Conversion by Wrongful Retention: This type of instruction is applicable when the defendant retains someone's property beyond the authorized or agreed-upon period, even if they had no intention to convert it. It emphasizes that the defendant's intent is irrelevant, as long as the retention exceeds lawful limits, constituting conversion. Overall, these various types of Oklahoma Instructions to Jury reinforce the principle that intent is not an essential element in proving conversion. Whether through strict liability, negligence, mistake, unauthorized transfer, or wrongful retention, the focus remains on the defendant's actions rather than their intent, ensuring justice for the rightful owners of the converted property.
