Simple English definitions for legal terms
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A request for instructions is a written request made by a party during a trial asking the court to instruct the jury on the law as set forth in the request. This is also known as a request to charge and is abbreviated as RFI. The purpose of this request is to ensure that the jury understands the law and applies it correctly in their decision-making process.
A request for instructions is a written request made by a party during a trial, asking the court to instruct the jury on the law as set forth in the request. This is also known as a request to charge. The abbreviation for request for instructions is RFI.
During a trial, the defense attorney may submit a request for instructions to the judge, asking the judge to instruct the jury on the legal definition of "reasonable doubt."
Another example is when a plaintiff's attorney submits a request for instructions to the judge, asking the judge to instruct the jury on the elements of negligence in a personal injury case.
These examples illustrate how a request for instructions is a formal way for a party to ask the court to provide guidance to the jury on the applicable law in a case. This helps ensure that the jury understands the legal standards they must apply when making their decision.
request for continued examination | request for leave to modify a motion