Title: Houston Texas Instruction to Jury: Refusal to Deliver Goods after Demand and Tender of Freight and Storage Charges — Understanding Conversion Introduction: In Houston, Texas, the instruction to the jury regarding the refusal to deliver goods after demand and tender of freight and storage charges is crucial in understanding the concept of conversion. Conversion refers to the wrongful exercise of control over another individual's property, leading to interference with the owner's possessor rights. This detailed description aims to provide an in-depth understanding of the different types of Houston Texas instructions to the jury related to this topic. 1. Definition of Conversion: Conversion, in the legal context, encompasses the act of intentionally and wrongfully exercising control over another individual's personal property, without lawful justification, thereby depriving the rightful owner of their possession. The refusal to deliver goods after demand and tender of freight and storage charges can be considered a form of conversion. 2. Elements of Conversion: To establish conversion, the plaintiff must prove the following elements to the jury: a. Ownership or Right of Possession: The plaintiff must demonstrate that they possessed the right to lawful possession or ownership of the goods in question. This could include ownership of the goods or a valid claim to possessor rights. b. Defendant's Exercise of Control: The plaintiff must establish that the defendant exercised control over the goods in a manner inconsistent with the plaintiff's rights. Refusing to deliver the goods after demand and tender of freight and storage charges constitutes a form of control inconsistent with the owner's rights. c. Intent: The plaintiff needs to demonstrate that the defendant knowingly and intentionally performed the act, which resulted in wrongful control over the goods. Intent can often be inferred by the defendant's refusal to deliver the goods despite the rightful demand and tender being made. d. Damages: The plaintiff must prove that they suffered harm or loss as a result of the defendant's wrongful control and refusal to deliver the goods. Damages can include actual financial losses, emotional distress, and other relevant losses. 3. Different Types of Houston Texas Instructions to the Jury: In Houston, Texas, the court provides various instructions to the jury based on the specific circumstances of a case involving the refusal to deliver goods after demand and tender of freight and storage charges. While the following list is not exhaustive, the instructions may include: a. Instruction on Burden of Proof: The jury must be informed about the plaintiff's burden of proof in a conversion case, emphasizing that the plaintiff has the responsibility to prove each element by a preponderance of the evidence. b. Instruction on Ownership or Right of Possession: The jury should be guided on the importance of determining the plaintiff's rightful ownership or right of possession concerning the goods in question. c. Instruction on Defendant's Control: The instruction should outline the different acts or conduct that may constitute the defendant's exercise of control, highlighting the refusal to deliver goods after demand and tender of freight and storage charges. d. Instruction on Intent: The jury should understand that the plaintiff must establish the defendant's knowing and intentional act of depriving them of rightful possession. e. Instruction on Damages: The jury needs to be informed about the various types of damages that can be awarded in a conversion case, including compensatory and potentially punitive damages. Conclusion: In Houston, Texas, the refusal to deliver goods after demand and tender of freight and storage charges may be considered a form of conversion. Understanding the elements of conversion and its implications is vital for a fair and just resolution. Because each case may vary, specific instructions are provided to the jury to ensure a comprehensive evaluation of the evidence and proper judgment.