Legal Definitions - Verdict

A verdict is the formal decision or finding made by a jury, or sometimes by a judge in a trial without a jury, at the conclusion of a case. It represents their final determination on the factual issues presented during the trial, such as whether a defendant is guilty or innocent in a criminal case, or whether a party is liable and owes damages in a civil case.

• Example 1 (Criminal Jury Trial): Imagine a high-profile criminal trial where a defendant is accused of embezzlement. After weeks of testimony, evidence presentation, and closing arguments, the jury retires to deliberate. Following several days of discussion, they return to the courtroom and announce their finding: "We, the jury, find the defendant guilty on all counts."

  Explanation: This declaration is the jury's verdict. It is their official conclusion, based on the evidence presented, that the prosecution successfully proved the defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. This verdict directly resolves the factual question of whether the defendant committed the crime.

• Example 2 (Civil Jury Trial): Consider a civil lawsuit where a homeowner sues a construction company for faulty workmanship that led to significant water damage. The jury hears expert testimony, reviews building plans, and sees photographic evidence. After deliberating, they decide that the construction company was negligent and award the homeowner $150,000 for repairs and related losses.

  Explanation: In this scenario, the jury's finding that the construction company was negligent and their decision on the amount of money to be paid constitute their verdict. It is their formal resolution of the factual dispute regarding liability and the appropriate compensation in this civil matter.

• Example 3 (Bench Trial): A small business owner files a lawsuit against a supplier for breach of contract, claiming the supplier failed to deliver goods as agreed. Because the parties opted for a bench trial, there is no jury; a judge presides over the case. After hearing all arguments and reviewing the contract and evidence, the judge issues a written ruling stating that the supplier did indeed breach the contract and must pay the business owner $25,000 in damages.

  Explanation: In this bench trial, the judge's formal written decision, which resolves the factual and legal issues of the contract dispute, functions as the verdict. It is the judge's definitive conclusion on the case, just as a jury's decision would be in a jury trial.