Hennepin Minnesota Jury Instruction — 3.2 Civil Theft refers to a specific set of legal instructions provided to a jury during a civil theft case in Hennepin County, Minnesota. These instructions help guide the members of the jury in understanding the elements of civil theft and how to reach a decision based on the evidence presented in court. Civil theft, also known as theft in a civil context, differs from criminal theft as it involves seeking monetary damages rather than criminal punishment. It occurs when someone wrongfully takes, possesses, or transfers another person's property without permission, with the intent to deprive them of its value. The Hennepin Minnesota Jury Instruction — 3.2 for Civil Theft outlines the specific legal elements that need to be proven in order to establish civil theft. It typically includes the following key components: 1. Unlawful taking: The plaintiff must prove that the defendant wrongfully took the property, without the owner's consent or lawful authority. This may involve physical removal, taking control of assets, or fraudulent transfers. 2. Possession: The plaintiff must demonstrate that the defendant had possession of the property in question, either physically or constructively. Constructive possession refers to control or dominion over the property, even if not physically held. 3. Ownership or right to possess: The plaintiff needs to establish their ownership or right to possess the property at the time of the alleged theft. Ownership can be proven through evidence such as title documents, contracts, or other legal agreements. 4. Intent to deprive: The plaintiff must show that the defendant had the intention to permanently deprive them of the property's value. Intent can be inferred from the defendant's actions or statements, and may also involve evidence of concealment or illegal transfer. It is important to note that there may be variations or additional sub-instructions within the Hennepin Minnesota Jury Instruction — 3.2 Civil Theft, depending on the specific circumstances of the case. These variations could arise due to the nature of the property involved, its value, or any other relevant factors. In summary, the Hennepin Minnesota Jury Instruction — 3.2 Civil Theft serves as a comprehensive guide for the jury, equipping them with the knowledge necessary to evaluate the evidence and determine whether civil theft has occurred. By understanding and applying these instructions, the jury can render a fair and just verdict based on the facts presented in the case.