This form contains sample jury instructions, to be used across the United States. These questions are to be used only as a model, and should be altered to more perfectly fit your own cause of action needs.
Rhode Island Jury Instruction — 4.4.3 Rule 10(b— - 5(c) Fraudulent Practice or Course of Dealing Stockbroker Churning — Violation of Blue Sky Law and Breach of Fiduciary Duty In Rhode Island, the jury instruction 4.4.3 addresses the fraudulent practice or course of dealing known as stockbroker churning, which involves a violation of both the Blue Sky Law and the broker's fiduciary duty. This instruction aims to provide guidance to jury members when assessing a case related to this type of fraudulent practice carried out by stockbrokers. Stockbroker churning is the excessive buying and selling of securities in a client's account by a stockbroker for the purpose of generating excessive commissions or fees, without considering the client's best interests. This practice violates Rule 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, which prohibits fraud in the purchase or sale of securities, and Rule 5(c), which prohibits deceptive or manipulative acts or practices. The Rhode Island jury instruction emphasizes that in order to establish a claim of stockbroker churning, the plaintiff must prove the following elements: 1. The defendant acted as the plaintiff's stockbroker or investment advisor. 2. The defendant engaged in excessive trading or turnover of securities in the plaintiff's account. 3. The defendant acted with fraudulent intent, willfully disregarding the plaintiff's best interests. 4. The plaintiff suffered financial harm or damages as a result of the defendant's actions. Under the Blue Sky Law, which varies from state to state, stockbrokers must comply with specific regulations to protect investors and ensure fair trading practices. Violation of this law further strengthens the plaintiff's claim, as it adds a wrongful act by the stockbroker. Furthermore, a breach of fiduciary duty occurs when a stockbroker fails to act in the best interest of their client, placing their own interests ahead of the client's. This breach of trust adds another layer to the plaintiff's case, highlighting the stockbroker's ethical and legal obligations. It is important to note that this type of fraudulent practice or course of dealing can take on different forms, requiring plaintiffs to identify the specific elements of their case. Some potential variations or further specific claims related to Rhode Island Jury Instruction — 4.4.3 Rule 10(b— - 5(c) Fraudulent Practice or Course of Dealing Stockbroker Churning — Violation of Blue Sky Law and Breach of Fiduciary Duty may include: 1. Failure to disclose material information: The stockbroker intentionally conceals important information from the client, preventing them from making informed decisions about their investments. 2. Unauthorized trading: The stockbroker executes trades without the client's authorization, potentially resulting in substantial losses. 3. Unsuitability: The stockbroker recommends investments that are unsuitable for the client's financial goals, risk tolerance, or investment objectives. 4. Misrepresentation: The stockbroker provides false or misleading information about investments, manipulating the client into making unwise decisions. 5. Negligence: The stockbroker fails to exercise due diligence, resulting in financial losses for the client. As each case is unique, it is essential for plaintiffs and their attorneys to carefully analyze the circumstances and tailor their claim accordingly, ensuring that all relevant elements are adequately demonstrated in court.
Rhode Island Jury Instruction — 4.4.3 Rule 10(b— - 5(c) Fraudulent Practice or Course of Dealing Stockbroker Churning — Violation of Blue Sky Law and Breach of Fiduciary Duty In Rhode Island, the jury instruction 4.4.3 addresses the fraudulent practice or course of dealing known as stockbroker churning, which involves a violation of both the Blue Sky Law and the broker's fiduciary duty. This instruction aims to provide guidance to jury members when assessing a case related to this type of fraudulent practice carried out by stockbrokers. Stockbroker churning is the excessive buying and selling of securities in a client's account by a stockbroker for the purpose of generating excessive commissions or fees, without considering the client's best interests. This practice violates Rule 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, which prohibits fraud in the purchase or sale of securities, and Rule 5(c), which prohibits deceptive or manipulative acts or practices. The Rhode Island jury instruction emphasizes that in order to establish a claim of stockbroker churning, the plaintiff must prove the following elements: 1. The defendant acted as the plaintiff's stockbroker or investment advisor. 2. The defendant engaged in excessive trading or turnover of securities in the plaintiff's account. 3. The defendant acted with fraudulent intent, willfully disregarding the plaintiff's best interests. 4. The plaintiff suffered financial harm or damages as a result of the defendant's actions. Under the Blue Sky Law, which varies from state to state, stockbrokers must comply with specific regulations to protect investors and ensure fair trading practices. Violation of this law further strengthens the plaintiff's claim, as it adds a wrongful act by the stockbroker. Furthermore, a breach of fiduciary duty occurs when a stockbroker fails to act in the best interest of their client, placing their own interests ahead of the client's. This breach of trust adds another layer to the plaintiff's case, highlighting the stockbroker's ethical and legal obligations. It is important to note that this type of fraudulent practice or course of dealing can take on different forms, requiring plaintiffs to identify the specific elements of their case. Some potential variations or further specific claims related to Rhode Island Jury Instruction — 4.4.3 Rule 10(b— - 5(c) Fraudulent Practice or Course of Dealing Stockbroker Churning — Violation of Blue Sky Law and Breach of Fiduciary Duty may include: 1. Failure to disclose material information: The stockbroker intentionally conceals important information from the client, preventing them from making informed decisions about their investments. 2. Unauthorized trading: The stockbroker executes trades without the client's authorization, potentially resulting in substantial losses. 3. Unsuitability: The stockbroker recommends investments that are unsuitable for the client's financial goals, risk tolerance, or investment objectives. 4. Misrepresentation: The stockbroker provides false or misleading information about investments, manipulating the client into making unwise decisions. 5. Negligence: The stockbroker fails to exercise due diligence, resulting in financial losses for the client. As each case is unique, it is essential for plaintiffs and their attorneys to carefully analyze the circumstances and tailor their claim accordingly, ensuring that all relevant elements are adequately demonstrated in court.