Harris County, located in Texas, provides specific jury instructions for cases involving damage to religious property. These instructions guide jury members in understanding the law and determining liability and damages in such cases. A Harris Texas Jury Instruction concerning damage to religious property may include the following details: 1. Definition: The instructions often start by defining what constitutes religious property. It includes any building, structure, or personal property primarily used for religious worship, rituals, or ceremonies. 2. Elements of the Claim: The instruction outlines the elements the plaintiff (the party claiming damage) must prove to establish liability. This typically comprises establishing that the property in question is religious property, proving the defendant's intentional or reckless act, and illustrating the resulting harm or damage caused. 3. Intentional Act Requirement: The instruction may emphasize that for the defendant to be held responsible, the damage caused to the religious property must be a result of an intentional act. This means that the defendant must have acted purposefully or consciously to cause the harm. 4. Reckless Act Requirement: Some instructions may also include an alternative basis for liability, which is a reckless act. If the defendant can be proven to have acted with conscious disregard for the potential harm caused to the religious property, they may still be held liable. 5. Joint and Several liabilities: In cases involving multiple defendants, the instruction might address joint and several liabilities. This means that if more than one defendant is found responsible for the damages, they can be held individually or collectively liable for the full amount of damages awarded. 6. Measure of Damages: The instructions likely include guidance on how to calculate damages in such cases. This could cover both economic damages, such as the cost of repairs or replacement, and non-economic damages, including emotional distress or spiritual harm caused to the religion's followers. It's important to note that the specific content and structure of Harris Texas Jury Instructions related to damage to religious property might vary. These instructions aim to provide guidance and clarity to the jury members, ensuring they understand the legal principles involved in such cases.