Verdict: Definition and Meaning

Usually, there are two systems to trial a criminal case; the first one is, bench trial, and second one is, jury trial. In a jury trial, in the presence of a judge, a group of people decide the case verdict, as opposed to a bench trial, when the judge decides the case. An exclusive jury decision is referred to as a verdict. Only after hearing all sides of the argument and considering all available evidence will the jury render a verdict. However, in Indian judicial system, there is no scope of jury trial.

What is Verdict?

A verdict is referred as a formal and final decision or judgment reached by a court or a jury in a legal case. It represents the culmination of a legal proceeding, such as a trial, where all the evidence, arguments, and facts presented during the case are carefully considered. The verdict determines the outcome of the case, whether the defendant is found guilty or not guilty in a criminal trial, or whether the plaintiff's claims are upheld or dismissed in a civil trial.

Different Types of Verdict

A jury may render one of a few different types of verdicts. The judge frequently determines the kind of verdict that the jury must render. A jury returns a partial verdict when it determines that the defendant is only guilty of one aspect of the crime and not the other aspects. For instance, in robbery cases, the prosecutor must demonstrate that there was force used in addition to larceny. The trespassing seizing and moving away of another person's property is known as larceny. The jury may decide after deliberating that the defendant committed larceny (the trespassory taking), but did not use force and was not responsible for robbery.

Special verdict

When a jury is presented with a variety of information to consider, a special verdict is rendered. The jury responds to a series of in-depth inquiries. In order to keep the jury's responses orderly, the judge frequently issues a particular verdict form in complex cases.

One of the most prevalent sorts of verdicts is a general verdict. There is only one possible outcome: guilty or not guilty. It has no precise conclusions regarding any other hotly debated matters. For instance, the jury can find the defendant guilty or not guilty of robbing a store. They are powerless to make other choices.

Partial Verdict

In a criminal case, a partial verdict occurs when the jury clears the defendant of some of the charges against him while finding him guilty of the remainder. Examples of this type of verdict include when the defendant is cleared on one count while found guilty on another, which is actually a type of general verdict because he is typically exonerated on one charge and found guilty on another; when the charge is for a more serious offense; and when the defendant is found guilty of both.

A special verdict is the name given to this type of conclusion. They are not involved in any way with the formal formulation of the exceptional verdict in practice. When it is decided that a verdict of that nature should be rendered, the jury simply expresses its view regarding any fact that is still in question, and the verdict is then changed without their further input. It is resolved by the counsel and attorneys on either side, with the judge's approval, in accordance with the state of the facts as discovered by the jury with regard to all details on which they have delivered an opinion, and with regard to other details in accordance with the state of facts which it is agreed that they ought to find based on the evidence presented.

The special verdict is then entered on record along with the entire trial procedures once its form has been decided. The legal issue arising from the facts is then debated before the court in bank and decided by that court as in the event of a demurrer.

Conclusion

Likewise, verdicts are typically reached after a thorough review of the evidence and legal arguments presented by both sides. They are based on the application of relevant laws and regulations to the specific circumstances of the case. Verdicts can have significant implications for the parties involved, as they determine the legal rights and responsibilities of individuals or entities and can lead to the imposition of penalties, sanctions, or remedies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the final decision?

decision made by the judge in a criminal case that concludes the case's procedures in the relevant court. See also − Judge-approved settlement.

What is difference between decision and verdict?

A decision refers to any judgment or conclusion made after careful consideration of facts, evidence, and arguments. It is a broader term that can be applied in various contexts, not just within the legal field. In a legal context, a decision can refer to any judgment, ruling, or determination made by a judge, arbitrator, or administrative body. This term encompasses both final and intermediate judgments. Decisions can be made in legal, business, personal, or other contexts and aren't limited to court proceedings.

On the other hand, a verdict specifically pertains to the formal judgment or determination made by a court, usually in a trial involving a legal dispute. Verdicts are most commonly associated with criminal and civil trials. In criminal trials, the verdict is typically a judgment of "guilty" or "not guilty." In civil trials, the verdict can be a judgment in favor of the plaintiff (the party bringing the lawsuit) or the defendant (the party defending against the lawsuit).

What is difference between judgment and verdict?

A judgment is a formal decision or ruling made by a judge or court at the conclusion of a legal case. It is the outcome of the court's evaluation of the evidence, legal arguments, and applicable laws. Judgments can be complex and detailed, outlining the court's reasoning for reaching the decision it did.

On the other hand, a verdict is a specific type of judgment, often used in criminal trials or civil trials with juries. It is the formal decision or determination made by a jury (a group of citizens selected to assess the facts of the case) regarding the guilt or innocence of a defendant in a criminal case, or the liability of parties in a civil case. The verdict is typically reached after deliberation by the jury, during which they review the evidence and arguments presented during the trial.

How does the judge reach a decision?

The judge decides the facts of the case and returns a decision after all the evidence has been presented and the judge has understood the relevant legal principles. Likewise, after listening both the parties and receiving all the relevant evidence and legal provisions, judge gives his or her decision.