Simple English definitions for legal terms
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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:
These instructions help guide the jury in their decision-making process and ensure that they understand the relevant laws and facts of the case.