Legal Definitions - formula instruction

A formula instruction is a specific type of jury instruction given by a judge that outlines the precise legal elements or facts the jury must find to reach a particular verdict or conclusion in a case. It provides the jury with a step-by-step guide, or "formula," for applying the law to the evidence presented during the trial. If the jury finds that all the specified elements have been proven, they are instructed to return a particular verdict; if not, they are instructed to return a different one.

Here are some examples to illustrate this concept:

• Criminal Case - Assault: In a trial for assault, the judge might give a formula instruction stating: "To find the defendant guilty of assault, you must find beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant (1) intentionally caused physical contact with the victim, (2) that the contact was offensive or harmful, and (3) that the victim did not consent to the contact. If you find all three of these elements proven, you must find the defendant guilty. If you find any one of these elements has not been proven, you must find the defendant not guilty."

  This illustrates a formula instruction because it provides the jury with a clear, sequential set of facts (the three elements) they must confirm from the evidence to reach a specific verdict (guilty or not guilty).

• Civil Case - Negligence: In a lawsuit where a pedestrian is suing a driver for injuries sustained in an accident, the judge could give a formula instruction for negligence: "To find the defendant liable for negligence, you must find by a preponderance of the evidence that (1) the defendant owed a duty of care to the plaintiff, (2) the defendant breached that duty by acting unreasonably, (3) the defendant's breach directly caused the plaintiff's injuries, and (4) the plaintiff suffered actual damages as a result. If you find all four of these elements proven, you must find the defendant liable. If you find any one of these elements has not been proven, you must find the defendant not liable."

  This demonstrates a formula instruction by giving the jury a precise list of conditions (duty, breach, causation, damages) they must determine have been met based on the evidence to assign legal responsibility for the accident.

• Contract Dispute - Breach of Contract: In a case where a business is suing a supplier for failing to deliver goods as agreed, the judge might instruct the jury: "To find that a breach of contract occurred, you must find that (1) a valid contract existed between the parties, (2) the plaintiff performed their obligations under the contract, (3) the defendant materially failed to perform their obligations as specified in the contract, and (4) the plaintiff suffered damages as a direct result of the defendant's failure. If you find all four of these elements proven, you must find that the defendant breached the contract."

  Here, the formula instruction guides the jury through the essential components they need to confirm to conclude that a contract was legally broken, ensuring they apply the law correctly to the facts of the agreement.