A verdict is the formal decision reached at the end of a trial on the issues submitted for decision. In plain language, it is the fact-finder’s answer about liability, guilt, or other questions the trial was meant to resolve.
Why It Matters
The term matters because verdicts determine how the evidence and legal standards were ultimately applied. The verdict often leads to judgment, post-trial motions, or appeal, and it can end years of litigation or prosecution.
Where It Appears
The term appears in jury trials, some bench trials, criminal cases, civil disputes, post-trial motions, and appellate review.
Practical Example
After hearing testimony and reviewing exhibits, a jury finds the defendant liable for negligence. That finding is the verdict, which later supports entry of judgment.
How It Differs From Nearby Terms
- Judgment is the formal court decision entered afterward.
- Jury trial is the process in which a jury usually renders the verdict.
- Bench trial is a trial where the judge serves as fact-finder instead of a jury.
Related Terms
Knowledge Check
- Is a verdict the same as a judgment? No. The verdict is the fact-finder’s decision, while judgment is the court’s formal entry of the result.
- Does every case end with a verdict? No. Many cases end through dismissal, settlement, or other rulings before verdict.