Oklahoma Jury Instruction — 2.2.4.1 Pretrial Detainee Alleging Excessive Force is a set of legal instructions provided to jurors in Oklahoma when presiding over cases where a pretrial detainee accuses law enforcement officials of using excessive force. When a pretrial detainee alleges excessive force, it implies that during their time in custody before trial, they experienced unwarranted and unnecessary violent actions or harsh treatment by law enforcement. This instruction guides the jury in understanding the elements, evidence, and considerations necessary to determine if excessive force was indeed used and whether the officials and organizations involved are liable for their actions. Key Points in Oklahoma Jury Instruction — 2.2.4.1 Pretrial Detainee Alleging Excessive Force: 1. Definition of excessive force: This instruction provides a concise definition of excessive force, emphasizing that it refers to any level of force beyond what is reasonably necessary under the circumstances. 2. Standard of proof: The instruction explains that the plaintiff, the pretrial detainee alleging excessive force, has the burden of proving their case by preponderance of the evidence. This means that the evidence presented should tip the balance even slightly towards the plaintiff's claim. 3. Elements of excessive force claim: The instruction outlines the essential elements that the plaintiff must establish to show that excessive force was used against them. These typically include whether the force was used intentionally, whether it inflicted injury or harm, and whether it was objectively unreasonable. 4. Objective reasonableness: Jurors are instructed to consider whether the force used by law enforcement officials was objectively reasonable in light of the facts and circumstances known to the officials at the time. The instruction further explains that objectivity should consider the perspective of a reasonable officer on the scene rather than using hindsight. Different types of Oklahoma Jury Instruction — 2.2.4.1 Pretrial Detainee Alleging Excessive Force may include variations tailored to specific scenarios or circumstances. Some possible variations might involve cases where the excessive force allegations occurred during transportation of the detainee, during search or seizure, during interrogation or questioning, or during any interaction between the detainee and law enforcement personnel. Overall, these instructions play a crucial role in guiding the jury's decision-making process by providing legal standards and clarifications regarding excessive force allegations made by pretrial detainees in Oklahoma. It ensures that the jurors have a clear understanding of the relevant factors to consider and encourages a fair and just verdict based on the evidence presented during the trial.