Verdict

Have questions about what the legal definition and meaning of the term “verdict” is?

Understand this and more by reading this vocabulary term FAQ guide about the concept and different types of court verdicts.

What Is a Court Verdict?

A court verdict is a final decision or judgment made by a court of law after considering all the evidence, arguments, and legal principles presented in a case.

It is the formal announcement of the court’s decision on the guilt or innocence of the defendant in a criminal case or the liability or responsibility of the parties involved in a civil case.

The verdict can be reached by a judge or a jury, which can result in various outcomes, such as guilty or not guilty in criminal cases or liable or not liable in civil cases.

It is an essential part of the legal process and determines the legal consequences that will follow.

What Are the Types of Court Verdicts?

Several types of court verdicts can be rendered in a legal case, which include:

Guilty

A guilty verdict is given when the court finds the defendant responsible for the crime they have been charged with.

Not Guilty

A verdict of not guilty is given when the court finds the defendant not responsible for the crime they have been charged with.

Acquittal

Similar to a not guilty verdict, an acquittal is given when the court determines insufficient evidence to prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, which, unlike a not guilty verdict, can happen early on in the case.

Conviction

A conviction verdict is given when the court finds the criminal defendant guilty of the charges against them.

Mistrial

A mistrial verdict is declared when a trial is terminated before a final verdict is reached. This can happen for various reasons, such as jury misconduct or a hung jury.

Hung Jury

A hung jury verdict is declared when the jury cannot unanimously decide on the defendant’s guilt or innocence. In such cases, a motion for retrial can be filed by the prosecution.

Contempt of Court

In certain situations, the court may find a person in contempt for disobeying or disrespecting the court’s authority or orders. This can result in penalties or sanctions against them.

What Factors Influence the Outcome of a Court Verdict?

Several factors can influence the outcome of a court verdict, which can vary depending on the jurisdiction and the specific circumstances of the case, but some of the most common factors include:

Evidence

The strength and admissibility of the evidence presented by both the prosecution and the defense can significantly impact the verdict. These case facts include physical evidence, witness testimony, expert opinions, and other relevant information presented during the trial.

Legal Arguments

The quality and persuasiveness of the legal arguments put forth by the attorneys can influence the outcome. This includes presenting a coherent and compelling case, challenging opposing opinions, and effectively communicating with the judge or jury.

Precedent and Legal Standards

The application of existing legal precedents and standards can play a crucial role in determining the outcome of a case. Judges often rely on previous court decisions and established legal principles to guide their decision-making throughout a case.

Jury Selection

In cases involving a jury, the selection process can impact the verdict. Factors such as the jurors’ demographics, biases, and attitudes can influence their interpretation of the evidence and their ultimate decision.

Judicial Discretion

The legal concept of judicial discretion permits judges to exercise decision making regarding certain aspects of the trial, such as:

• Ruling on the admissibility of evidence
• Instructing the jury
• Sentencing

A judge’s judicial discretion and interpretations of the law go into shaping the outcome of the case.

Public Opinion and Media Influence

In high-profile cases, public opinion and media coverage can pressure the court and potentially influence the jury, affecting the verdict. This can occur through biased reporting, public sentiment, or direct threats or intimidation.

Plea bargains

In criminal cases where a plea bargain is reached between the prosecution and the defense, the agreed-upon terms can significantly impact the outcome. The negotiation, acceptance, or rejection of plea deals can influence the final verdict and the severity of charges brought.

Bias and Prejudice

Although the legal system strives for impartiality, individual biases and prejudices can still influence the outcome of a case. Some of the most common forms of biases that can impact the result of a legal dispute pertain to:

• Race
• Ethnic origin
• Religion
• Gender
• Disability status
• Socio-economics
• Sexual-orientation
• Personal beliefs
• Life experiences

All of which can affect the impartiality of those involved in the trial.

How Does a Judge or Jury Determine a Verdict?

The law instructs a judge or jury to determine a verdict based on the evidence and arguments presented at trial. Here is a general overview of how this process works:

1. Opening statements: The prosecution and defense lawyers present their opening statements to the jury or judge (at a bench trial), outlining their case and what they intend to prove.
2. Presentation of evidence: Each side presents its evidence, including witness testimonies, documents, physical evidence, and expert opinions. The evidence should be relevant, credible, and admissible.
3. Cross-examination: After each witness testifies, the opposing party can cross-examine them to challenge their credibility or clarify any inconsistencies.
4. Closing arguments: Once all evidence has been presented, both sides deliver their closing arguments, summarizing their case and highlighting the key points that support their position.
5. Jury instructions: If the case is being tried before a jury, the judge will provide instructions on the relevant laws and guidelines that the members of the jury must follow to reach a verdict.
6. Deliberation: The jury (or judge, in a bench trial) then deliberates to discuss the evidence and reach a unanimous decision unless otherwise stated by law.
7. Verdict: Once the jury decides, they inform the court, and the judge reads the verdict in open court. The verdict can be “guilty” or “not guilty” in criminal cases or “liable” or “not liable” in civil cases.

What Is a Directed Verdict?

A directed verdict is a ruling entered by a trial court judge, typically in a civil lawsuit, after the judge determines that there is no legally evidentiary basis for a reasonable jury to reach a different conclusion.

Directed verdicts can favor a plaintiff or a defendant. The ruling depends on the overwhelming evidence in one of the two parties’ favor.

Can a Court Verdict Be Appealed, Overturned, or Modified?

Yes, a court verdict can be appealed, overturned, or modified in certain circumstances. The process and availability of these options depend on the jurisdiction and the specific laws governing the case.

Appeal

A party dissatisfied with a court verdict can generally file an appeal in a higher court. The appellate court will review the case for legal errors, procedural irregularities, or any other grounds for appeal.

If the appellate court finds merit in the appeal, it may overturn or modify the lower court’s verdict.

Overturn

In some cases, a court verdict can be overturned or set aside by the same court that issued the original decision. This typically occurs when new evidence comes to light or if it is discovered that the original verdict was based on legal errors or misconduct.

Modification

A court verdict can also be modified if there are compelling reasons to do so. For example, if circumstances have changed since the original verdict, the court may modify its decision to reflect the new situation.

In divorce cases, this could include modifying child custody arrangements, spousal support, or other aspects of the original court ruling.

It’s important to note that the specific procedures and requirements for appealing, overturning, or modifying a court verdict can vary widely depending on the jurisdiction and the type of case involved.

As always, in the case of legal matters, it is advisable to consult with a qualified attorney for guidance on the specific options available in a particular situation.

Is a Verdict a Judgment?

No, a verdict and a judgment are not the same. A judgment is a formal court order entered by the presiding judge, and in jury trials, it acts as the court’s final decision after a jury reaches a verdict.

Can a Judge Overturn a Jury Verdict?

Yes, although rare, a judge can overturn a jury verdict. This is typically done through a legal process called “judgment notwithstanding the verdict” (JNOV) or “judgment as a matter of law” (JMOL).

The purpose purpose of this legal procedure is to avoid the negative impact of extreme and unreasonable jury decisions being reached.

For instance, a presiding judge may overturn a jury verdict if they have reason to believe the jury’s decision is not supported by the evidence presented at trial.

Legal errors or misconduct during the trial that affected the case can also be reasons for a judge to overturn a jury’s decision.

Judges are generally wary of using this power, as the principle of the jury’s being responsible for decision-making at trial is a crucial part of the legal system.

How Does the Jury’s Role Differ In Reaching a Civil and Criminal Verdict?

The jury’s role in reaching a civil verdict is to determine whether the defendant is liable or not liable for the plaintiff’s claims. They must weigh the evidence and decide based on a preponderance of the evidence, meaning the plaintiff’s case is more likely true than not.

In contrast, the jury’s role in reaching a criminal verdict is to determine whether the defendant is guilty or not guilty of the charges brought against them, which comes with a higher burden of proof.

In order to enter a guilty verdict, the jury must find that the defendant is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Meaning there is no other logical explanation based on the evidence presented.

The burden of proof in a criminal case is higher than in a civil case, reflecting the potentially more severe consequences for the defendant.

Can a Settlement Occur After a Court Verdict Is Reached?

Yes, a settlement agreement can occur after a court verdict is reached.

Settlements can be agreed to at any stage of the legal dispute process, including before a case is filed, before trial, during trial, or even after a verdict has been made.

Generally, parties settle to avoid further litigation costs, time, and the inherent uncertainty of a trial.

Can a Verdict Be Influenced By Media Coverage?

Yes, the unfortunate reality is that media coverage can influence a verdict. How a case is portrayed in the media can shape public perception and opinion about the dispute, ultimately impacting jurors’ decision-making process.

Specifically, media coverage can influence jurors’ attitudes, beliefs, and biases about the parties in the suit, potentially swaying them toward reaching a particular verdict.

This issue is especially true when extensive and biased media coverage presents one side of the case more favorably than the other.

Jurors can be exposed to information, opinions, and images that are not admissible in court or may be misleading, affecting their ability to make an impartial decision.

Consequently, judges may instruct juries not to view or talk about the media coverage surrounding a case during the trial. Jurors need to be aware of their biases and strive to base their decision solely on the evidence presented in court.

What Happens If the Jury does Not Reach a Verdict?

If the jury members can’t reach a unanimous decision at the end of a trial, it is considered a split verdict, and the presiding judge will declare the case a mistrial.

What Is the Significance of a Split Verdict?

The significance of a split verdict lies in its direct impact on a trial’s outcome. If the jury cannot agree on all charges, it may result in a mistrial for the unresolved charges.

In addition to indicating a lack of consensus among jurors, it can shed light on issues or weaknesses in the prosecutor’s arguments and the credibility of the evidence or testimony presented.

The significance of a split verdict may vary depending on the jurisdiction and the case’s specific circumstances.

This non-unanimous outcome of a trial will directly impact the defendant’s legal status, which further points to why jury selection is such an essential part of the legal process.

How Is a Sentencing Decision Related To a Court Verdict?

A sentencing decision is directly related to a court verdict, as the specifics of the verdict impact the types of punishments the law allows a judge to order for the exact level of crime the defendant has been convicted of.

Once a court verdict is reached, determining whether the defendant is guilty or not, the sentencing phase begins.

During this phase, the judge considers several factors, such as the severity of the crime, the defendant’s criminal history, any aggravating or mitigating circumstances, and sometimes input from the prosecution and defense attorneys or victim impact statements.

Based on these considerations, the judge determines an appropriate sentence, ranging from fines, probation, community service, or imprisonment.

Judges consider the defendant’s guilt and what is in the interests of justice when determining the appropriate sentence for a defendant.

Written by Aaron R. Winston
Last Updated: March 5, 2024 2:28pm CST