Legal Definitions - impeachment of verdict

Impeachment of verdict refers to a formal legal challenge made by one of the parties in a lawsuit, seeking to overturn or invalidate a jury's decision. This challenge is based on allegations that a member of the jury engaged in some form of misconduct or impropriety during the trial or deliberations, which unfairly influenced the verdict. The goal is to demonstrate that the jury's decision was compromised and therefore should not stand.

• Example 1: Undisclosed Juror Bias

  In a civil lawsuit concerning a property dispute, the jury delivered a verdict in favor of the plaintiff. Subsequently, the defendant's legal team discovered evidence that one of the jurors had a significant, undisclosed financial interest in the plaintiff's business, a fact that was not revealed during the jury selection process. The defendant's attorneys could then file a motion for impeachment of verdict, arguing that this juror's undisclosed bias constituted impropriety and likely influenced their decision, thereby compromising the fairness of the verdict and warranting a new trial.

• Example 2: Juror Exposure to Outside Information

  During a high-profile criminal trial, the judge repeatedly instructed the jurors to avoid all news reports and social media discussions about the case. After a guilty verdict was returned, it came to light that one juror had actively followed online forums discussing the defendant's alleged past crimes, which were not presented as evidence in court. The defense counsel could then move for an impeachment of verdict, asserting that the juror's exposure to and consideration of external, unadmitted information tainted the jury's deliberations and decision-making process.

• Example 3: Juror Independent Research During Deliberations

  In a complex medical malpractice case, after the jury reached a verdict, a dissenting juror reported that another juror had brought printouts from an internet search about specific medical procedures and legal precedents into the deliberation room. This juror then used this unauthorized research to persuade others during discussions, rather than relying solely on the evidence presented in court and the judge's instructions. The losing party could seek an impeachment of verdict, arguing that the juror's independent research introduced improper information into deliberations, thereby undermining the integrity of the verdict.