Virginia Jury Instruction — 6.1 Attorney's Fees And Court Costs In General is a legal instruction given to the jury in a trial, providing guidance on the assessment of attorney's fees and court costs. This instruction outlines the general principles and considerations that the jury should take into account when determining the amount to be awarded for attorney's fees and court costs. According to this instruction, attorney's fees are amounts charged by attorneys for their professional services in representing a client in a legal matter. These fees are separate from court costs, which include various expenses related to the litigation process, such as filing fees, document preparation fees, witness fees, and other costs incurred during the legal proceedings. The purpose of this instruction is to ensure that the jury understands the factors they should consider when evaluating and awarding attorney's fees and court costs. Some key points covered in this instruction include: 1. Reasonableness: The jury should consider whether the fees and costs sought by the prevailing party are reasonable and necessary based on the complexity and duration of the case, the skill required, and the experience and reputation of the attorney involved. 2. Prevailing party: The jury should determine if the party seeking attorney's fees and court costs is the prevailing party in the litigation. This means that the party has obtained a favorable outcome or achieved a substantial portion of what they sought in the lawsuit. 3. Fee agreement: The jury can also review any fee agreement or contract between the attorney and the client to determine if the requested fees fall within the terms of the agreement. 4. Impartial evaluation: The jury should objectively evaluate the evidence and arguments presented by both parties regarding the reasonableness and necessity of the requested fees and costs. It is crucial to note that there may be different variations or specific instructions related to attorney's fees and court costs in general, depending on the specific circumstances of the case. These variations could include instructions for specific types of cases, such as personal injury, breach of contract, or employment disputes. It is advised for jury members to carefully follow the specific instructions provided by the court in each case to ensure a fair and accurate assessment of attorney's fees and court costs.