Legal Definitions - instruct

In a legal context, to instruct means to formally direct, authorize, or provide specific guidance to someone, typically a legal professional, to act on one's behalf or to carry out a particular course of action. It signifies giving a mandate, clear directions, or specific information that forms the basis for legal work.

• Example 1: Client Instructing a Lawyer

  A homeowner discovers a significant defect in their newly purchased house and decides to pursue legal action against the seller. During a meeting with their attorney, the homeowner provides all relevant documents, explains the timeline of events, and explicitly states, "I instruct you to send a formal demand letter to the seller and, if necessary, to file a lawsuit to recover damages."

  Explanation: In this scenario, the homeowner is instructing their attorney by giving clear directions and authorization to take specific legal steps on their behalf, outlining the desired course of action.

• Example 2: Judge Instructing a Jury

  At the end of a complex civil trial involving a personal injury claim, the judge addresses the jury. The judge explains the legal definitions of negligence and causation, clarifies the burden of proof, and tells the jurors how they must apply these legal principles to the evidence they have heard to determine liability and damages.

  Explanation: The judge is instructing the jury by providing them with the necessary legal framework and directions on how to apply the law to the facts of the case to reach a fair verdict.

• Example 3: Government Body Instructing its Legal Department

  After a public hearing, a county commission votes to approve a new environmental regulation. The commission then formally directs its county attorney's office to draft the precise legal language for the regulation, ensure its compliance with state and federal laws, and prepare for any potential legal challenges from affected industries.

  Explanation: The county commission is instructing its legal department by giving them a clear mandate and specific tasks to execute in relation to the newly approved regulation, guiding their legal work.