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Simple English definitions for legal terms

ostrich instruction

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A quick definition of ostrich instruction:

Ostrich instruction is a type of direction that a judge gives to a jury about the law of the case in a criminal trial. It is called ostrich instruction because it states that a defendant who deliberately avoided acquiring actual knowledge can still be found to have acted knowingly. This means that if a defendant purposely ignored information that would have made them aware of their actions, they can still be held responsible for their actions. Ostrich instruction is slang for this type of instruction.

A more thorough explanation:

An ostrich instruction is a type of jury instruction given by a judge to a jury concerning the law of the case. It is called an ostrich instruction because it refers to a defendant who deliberately avoids acquiring actual knowledge, like an ostrich burying its head in the sand.

For example, if a defendant is accused of selling drugs but claims they did not know the substance was illegal, the judge may give an ostrich instruction stating that if the defendant deliberately avoided acquiring knowledge of the substance's illegality, they can still be found guilty of the crime.

Other types of jury instructions include:

  • Jury charge: a direction or guideline that a judge gives a jury concerning the law of the case.
  • Additional instruction: a jury charge given in response to the jury's question about the evidence or some point of law.
  • Mandatory instruction: an instruction requiring a jury to find for one party and against the other if the jury determines that a given set of facts exists.
  • Special instruction: an instruction on some particular point or question involved in the case, usually in response to counsel's request for such an instruction.

These instructions help guide the jury in their decision-making process and ensure that they understand the relevant laws and facts of the case.

ostrich defense | OTA

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18:46
do u have a dream school?
18:46
well i saw one is at fordham and one is at upenn and ik fordham isnt t14 but its better than temple and villanova
18:47
dream is duke
18:47
ooh interesting choice why Duke?
18:48
i got into fordham and so did the dumbass I was dating for like two months it’s not that hard
18:48
by which I mean if they let him in I don’t trust their standards
18:49
my dad went to duke law so i have been a fan forever
18:49
Duke is fun. I took a trip there when I was 19 or so. Really good time when I was a young rapscallion.
18:49
and ik i just dont think i gave myself enough time for a guaranteed 170+ performance
18:49
I didnt see if anyone answered my UGA question. Did anyone answer it?
18:53
@Dkkm11: are you not still a young rapscallion?
19:00
Nah, I am gray-bearded wizard.
19:02
Hmmm. I guess that’s okay.
19:03
Honestly, idk what I would call myself these days. Will probably not know until I can reflect on this part of my life which will be idk, in like 5 years when I am 32.
19:06
Does your life come in 5 year epochs typically?
19:06
Someone told me a while ago that I was probably molested as a kid because I don’t really have any clear memories of my childhood. But I don’t think I was.
1a2b3c4d26z
19:10
Inside thoughts!
19:10
this is where I post my inside thoughts
19:11
Nah, the fucked up thing about therapists is they try and make you think your parents are your enemy 99% of the time and really they should be telling you that your parents have almost no effect on the rest of your life. If they can get you to keep focusing on your parents they can keep making money.
19:12
Yeah, my life really does flow in about 5 years periods.
19:12
My crypto also flows in 5 day epochs too.
19:16
what do you do with your days as an unemployed crypto guy? do you play an instrument or something
19:47
please lawd
19:47
forgive me
19:47
its time to go back to tha old me
19:50
this is what i feel like when i get one single drill question right
19:50
when u get one wrong ;(
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