Legal Definitions - admixture

An admonition is a formal warning, caution, or instruction given by a judge during a legal proceeding. It is intended to guide participants, such as jurors or attorneys, on their responsibilities, proper conduct, or how to consider specific evidence.

• Example 1: Admonition to a Jury Regarding Deliberation

  During a complex criminal trial, before sending the jury to deliberate, the judge might issue an admonition instructing them not to discuss the case with anyone outside the jury room, not to conduct their own research on the internet, and to base their decision solely on the evidence presented in court. The judge emphasizes that violating these rules could lead to a mistrial.

  This illustrates an admonition because the judge is formally advising the jury on their duties and the strict boundaries they must observe to ensure a fair and impartial deliberation process.

• Example 2: Admonition to an Attorney Regarding Courtroom Protocol

  In a civil case, an attorney repeatedly attempts to introduce evidence that the judge has already ruled inadmissible. After several attempts, the judge issues an admonition to the attorney, stating that further attempts to circumvent the court's ruling will result in a finding of contempt or other disciplinary action.

  This demonstrates an admonition as the judge is formally reprimanding the attorney for improper courtroom conduct and cautioning them about the serious consequences of continuing to disregard court orders.