When a word or phrase has a "technical, legal meaning" that differs from its "nonlegal meaning" is a jury's duty to clarify it for the jury?

California, United States of America


The following excerpt is from People v. Ricks, E070937 (Cal. App. 2019):

"'When a word or phrase "'is commonly understood by those familiar with the English language and is not used in a technical sense peculiar to the law, the court is not required to give an instruction as to its meaning in the absence of a request.'" [Citations.]' [Citation.] It is only when a word or phrase has a 'technical, legal meaning' that differs from its 'nonlegal meaning' that the trial court has a duty to clarify it for the jury. [Citation.]" (People v. Jennings (2010) 50 Cal.4th 616, 670.)

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