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A jury verdict is the conclusion reached by jurors based on evidence presented in a trial. In criminal trials, the verdict is guilty or not guilty, while in civil trials, it determines liability and damages. Jury members vote to reach a unanimous or majority decision, with the foreman announcing the verdict. Settlements can avoid a jury verdict, and databases collect and analyze verdicts for trial strategies.
A jury verdict is the conclusion reached by jurors based on the evidence presented by both sides in a criminal or civil trial. The verdict is different from a judgment, which is based on the jury verdict and is rendered by the judge, who must apply state laws. In criminal trials, the verdicts of the courts are guilty or not guilty. In civil trials, the jury returns a general verdict to determine liability and damages or a special verdict to find findings of fact upon which a judge can determine a verdict. If the jury fails to reach a verdict, the court will deem it a hung jury, and the case is often dropped.
After both sides file closing briefs, the judge will brief the jury on applicable laws and the requirements to reach a verdict. The process of reaching a verdict is referred to as jury deliberation. Jury members often vote at the beginning, during, and end of jury deliberation to determine if a verdict is reached. There are some occasions when the evidence is so overwhelming that the legal requirement for the jury to reach a unanimous or majority vote occurs within minutes of deliberation, on the first vote. The foreman, a member of the jury chosen from the other members, will announce the verdict in court to the judge.
Parties to a civil case can avoid a jury verdict by settlement as long as the case is settled before the closing arguments. For example, a defendant may offer to pay some of the damages the plaintiff is seeking in exchange for ending the legal battle. Judges often give both parties an opportunity to settle the case, and the agreement must be in writing. The defendant in a criminal trial may also reach an agreement with the prosecution before a jury verdict, which is often accepted by the judge. In these cases, the defendant usually admits guilt to some charges and the prosecution agrees to dismiss some of them.
An attorney, pro se plaintiff, or pro se defendant may seek a jury verdict as part of their case preparation in order to formulate trial strategies. There are regional and national databases that collect, review, and analyze jury verdicts, and the information is often gleaned from trial attorneys. Judges will sometimes use the database to evaluate verdicts, especially if the verdict includes damages.
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