Verdict

Trial Trial by Jury The Verdict

Introduction to Verdict

In the United States

At the conclusion of the charge, the jury retires from the courtroom to decide on its verdict. The verdict of a jury terminates the trial. In a case tried before a judge sitting alone, the decision of the judge constitutes a termination of the trial.” (1)

Announcing the Verdict Explained in the United States of America

(In the U.S. law)

References

See Also

• Jury System (in United States law)
• Jury Verdict (in United States law)

Resources

See Also

• Jury System
• Jury Verdict

Resources

Notes and References

• Information about Verdict in the Encarta Online Encyclopedia

Guide to Verdict

Introduction to Verdict

Verdict, in law, the pronouncement of the jury upon matters of fact submitted to them for deliberation and determination. In civil cases, verdicts may be either general or special. A general verdict is one in which the jury pronounces generally upon all the issues, in favor of either the plaintiff or the defendant. It is a finding in favor of the prevailing party as to every material fact properly submitted for the consideration of the jury. A special verdict is one in which the jury reviews the facts, but leaves to the court any decisions on questions of law arising from those facts. As a rule, however, special verdicts are not applicable to criminal cases, and in most instances the jury renders a general verdict of “guilty” or “not guilty.”

The jury’s function is to determine from the evidence the facts and to make a proper application of the law relating to those facts as charged by the court. It is the exclusive province of the court to interpret the law and state to the jury what principles of law are applicable to the facts in the case, and such statement and exposition of the law are binding on the jury. It is the sole province of the jury, however, to determine the facts in the case based upon the evidence presented.

Generally, the jury’s verdict must be unanimous. In a number of states, however, the condition of unanimity has been modified, and verdicts can consequently be rendered by a designated majority of the jury. All jury members must be present in court when the verdict is given, and in most jurisdictions either litigant has the absolute right to have the jury polled. In polling a jury, each member is asked if the verdict is the one he or she favored. If the required number of jurors do not answer this question in the affirmative, the verdict, of course, cannot stand.

In a number of states the judge may direct the jury to render a verdict in favor of one of the litigants when the evidence conclusively establishes the right of such party to a verdict. A verdict that appears to the court to be against the weight of evidence may be set aside by the court and a new trial ordered. In criminal cases, however, a verdict of acquittal is conclusive upon the prosecution (the state), thus precluding double jeopardy, but the defendant may be tried again in the event the jury cannot reach a decision. The defendant must be present when the verdict is rendered.” (1)

Resources

Notes and References

• Information about Verdict in the Encarta Online Encyclopedia

Guide to Verdict

Spanish Translation of verdict

This is the legal translation of English to Spanish in relation to verdict and / or a definition of this topic: Veredicto (in Spanish, without translation of the dictionary entry).