Legal Definitions - Sealed verdict

A sealed verdict occurs when a jury reaches a decision in a case but, instead of immediately announcing it in open court, they write it down, sign it, and place it in a sealed envelope. This practice allows the jury to conclude their work and be released, especially if the court is not in session (for example, late at night, over a weekend, or during a holiday). The verdict remains confidential and unopened until the court officially reconvenes and the judge formally receives and reads it aloud in the presence of all parties.

• Example 1: Weekend Deliberations

  Imagine a jury in a high-profile criminal trial has been deliberating intensely for several days. On a Friday evening, around 8:00 PM, they inform the bailiff that they have reached a unanimous decision. Rather than requiring everyone—the judge, lawyers, and court staff—to stay late or reconvene at an unusual hour, the judge instructs the jury to write down their verdict, sign it, and place it in a sealed envelope. The jury is then released for the weekend. On Monday morning, when court officially resumes, the sealed envelope is opened, and the verdict is read aloud. This demonstrates a sealed verdict because the decision was finalized and documented before its public announcement, allowing the jury to disperse over the weekend.

• Example 2: Holiday Break

  Consider a civil lawsuit where a jury has been deliberating for several days leading up to a major national holiday. On the afternoon before the holiday, the jury sends a note indicating they have reached a verdict. To avoid keeping the jury sequestered through the holiday weekend and to allow court personnel to observe the holiday, the judge directs the jury to complete their verdict form, seal it, and then be excused. The sealed verdict is then held securely until the court reconvenes after the holiday, at which point it is formally received and announced. This illustrates a sealed verdict being used to accommodate a court recess for a holiday.

• Example 3: Late-Night Resolution

  In a complex business dispute, a jury has been deliberating for an extended period. Around 10:30 PM, they finally reach a verdict. The judge, recognizing the late hour and the need for all parties to be present and alert for the verdict's reception, instructs the jury to finalize their decision on the verdict form, seal it, and then be released for the night. The following morning, at the regular court session, the sealed verdict is presented to the judge, opened, and read in open court. This scenario exemplifies a sealed verdict allowing a jury to conclude their duties at an inconvenient hour without requiring an immediate public announcement.