Virgin Islands Jury Instruction 9.9.1: General Instruction — Including Partial Taking Instructions Keywords: Virgin Islands, jury instruction, 9.9.1, general instruction, partial taking instructions Description: Virgin Islands Jury Instruction 9.9.1 is a general instruction provided to the jury in the Virgin Islands legal system when dealing with cases involving partial takings. This instruction aims to guide the jury in understanding the principles and considerations related to partial takings within the context of the specific case being tried. Partial taking refers to situations where the government or another entity exercises its power of eminent domain or seeks to acquire private property that is only a portion of the owner's land or rights. This can occur, for example, during infrastructure development projects, land-use regulations, or property acquisitions for public works purposes. The purpose of this instruction is to inform the jury about the legal requirements, standards, and factors applicable to cases involving partial takings. It helps the jury understand how to evaluate the evidence presented during the trial and make an informed decision regarding compensation for the partial taking. Specific types of the Virgin Islands Jury Instruction 9.9.1 may include: 1. Valuation of the Partial Taking: This instruction guides the jury on how to assess the fair market value of the portion of property being taken, considering factors such as its appraised value, the impact on the remainder of the property, and any special characteristics or potential uses affected. 2. Compensation Considerations: This instruction informs the jury about additional compensation considerations for damages or loss related to the partial taking, such as loss of access, loss of view, or loss of business opportunities. It outlines the various types of compensation that may be awarded. 3. Just Compensation Standard: This instruction explains the concept of "just compensation" as required by the Fifth Amendment of the United States Constitution and provides guidance on how the jury should determine an amount that is fair, reasonable, and not excessive or deficient. 4. Evidence and Burden of Proof: This instruction highlights the specific evidence that should be considered relevant to the determination of just compensation. It also clarifies the burden of proof, indicating which party has the responsibility to present evidence supporting their position. It is important to note that the specific content and wording of the Virgin Islands Jury Instruction 9.9.1 may vary depending on the jurisdiction and the nature of the case. These instructions are developed and approved by the Virgin Islands judiciary to ensure fair and consistent application of the law in cases involving partial takings.