Oregon Jury Instruction — 6.1 Attorney's Fees And Court Costs In General In the state of Oregon, when it comes to attorney's fees and court costs in legal proceedings, Jury Instruction 6.1 plays a vital role in informing the jury of the applicable law and considerations. This instruction provides guidance on the general principles governing the awarding of attorney's fees and court costs in civil cases. Attorney's fees refer to the fees incurred by the parties involved for legal representation during the course of the litigation. Court costs, on the other hand, encompass the expenses associated with filing fees, document preparation, service of process, and other costs related to the judicial system. Understanding the allocation and recovery of these costs is crucial in determining the financial implications for both the prevailing and losing party. Different types of Oregon Jury Instruction — 6.1 Attorney's Fees And Court Costs In General include: 1. Standard Instruction: This version of the instruction covers the fundamental rules and principles governing attorney's fees and court costs in civil cases. It outlines the factors that the jury should consider while determining whether to award attorney's fees and/or court costs to the prevailing party. These factors may include the reasonableness of the fees and costs incurred, the necessity of legal representation, the complexity of the case, and the prevailing party's comparative success. 2. Statutory Fee-Shifting Instruction: In certain cases, Oregon statutes provide specific provisions that allow for the shifting of attorney's fees and court costs from one party to another. This instruction informs the jury of the applicable statute and directs them to consider these provisions while making their determination. It emphasizes that the awarding of attorney's fees and court costs in such cases is mandatory, rather than discretionary. 3. Common Law Fee-Shifting Instruction: Unlike statutory fee-shifting, common law fee-shifting relies on judge-made law and equitable considerations for the awarding of attorney's fees and court costs. This instruction guides the jury in evaluating the factors set forth by the court and the prevailing body of case law to determine whether to award attorney's fees and court costs under the common law doctrine. Jurors should carefully review the evidence and arguments presented throughout the trial and weigh the factors provided in the instruction before making their decision on attorney's fees and court costs. It is important to note that the jury's determination is just a recommendation, as the final decision regarding the award of attorney's fees and court costs ultimately rests with the judge. By providing clear and comprehensive instructions on the principles guiding attorney's fees and court costs, Oregon Jury Instruction — 6.1 ensures fairness and consistency in the legal system, while also promoting the efficient and equitable resolution of civil cases.