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LSDefine

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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HopefullyInLawSchool
16:17
Possibly
RoaldDahl
16:26
Cool
RoaldDahl
16:26
thank you!!!! i hope it means something
pinkandblue
16:31
fart
IrishDinosaur
16:36
Mich R gang lesgooo
Did anyone else get that random get to know nova email?
HopefullyInLawSchool
17:21
Ya it was sent to all YM applicants
starfishies
17:37
Anyone get the NDLS email inviting you to apply for something even though they haven’t made a decision on your app yet
17:38
Better yet I got the email and I was rejected last month
starfishies
17:38
Wtf
starfishies
17:39
and the deadline is in like a week what is this
any cardozo movement?
BatmanBeyond
18:01
Sent a LOCI via portal, but I'm wondering if email would have gotten me a swifter response
BatmanBeyond
18:02
This whole hold/wait-list/reserve system is a headache
loci already?
BatmanBeyond
18:09
If the odds are like 1-2% I don't think it matters much by the numbers
12:11
I got the same NDLS email
OrangeThing
12:18
I think the user profiles are broken
19:29
Any word out of Notre Dame?
19:29
Only the invitation to apply for LSE
19:29
Anyone received a decision from NDLS?
19:50
when did u guys apply that just heard from umich? they havent even glanced at my app yet
0:30
how am i supposed to spy on people when profile links are broken?
Right. Broken links smh
I've been UR since first/second week of Jan, no updates otherwise, is that a bad sign? At or above median LSAT and above 75th gpa.
The profile links are not working for me. anybody else?
13:18
i’m in the same boat mastermonkey but with lower stats. i hope i hear back by mid march
CheeseIsMyLoveLanguage
13:24
@mastermonkey45: Looking at some of the recent decisions in relation to when they went complete, I'd say it's a good sign. It seems many declines were sent within about 5-6 weeks of completion. Given those were applications that were SENT in January, I'd say that means you're still solidly in the running. :)
14:30
Sent an app to OSU in early december and have STILL not heard back
Give it 4 more weeks at least. Everyone in this chat needs to wait longer.
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