What are the three verdicts of a trial jury? (2024)

What are the three verdicts of a trial jury?

Thus, in effect, the judge or jury would have three choices - guilty, not proven, and not guilty.

What are the different verdicts?

What are the different types of verdicts? The most common type of verdict is a general verdict, or a verdict in which the jury determines whether the defendant is guilty or not guilty. There are also partial, privy vs. public, and special verdicts.

What is a jury trial verdict?

In law, a verdict is the formal finding of fact made by a jury on matters or questions submitted to the jury by a judge.

What is the verdict of the trial?

A verdict is the formal decision or judgment rendered by a court at the conclusion of a trial or legal proceeding. It represents the culmination of the entire legal process.

What are the three possible verdicts in most states?

Expert-Verified Answer. 3 possible verdicts in a jury trial is guilty, not guilty and acquital.

What are the two possible verdicts for a trial by jury?

Closing arguments are the final opportunity for the prosecutor and the defense attorney to talk to the jury. These arguments allow both attorneys to summarize the testimony and evidence, and ask the jury to return a verdict of guilty or not guilty.

What is the difference between a general verdict and a special verdict?

The verdict of a jury is either general or special. A general verdict is that by which they pronounce generally upon all or any of the issues, either in favor of the plaintiff or defendant; a special verdict is that by which the jury find the facts only, leaving the judgment to the Court.

Do juries decide the verdict?

In federal court, the jury decides the verdict. It's the judge's job to act as referee, ruling on issues of law before and during the trial. Federal judges keep up to date on many laws and rules such as: Federal Laws.

What happens when a jury can't reach a unanimous decision?

If a jury is unable to reach a unanimous verdict and results in a hung jury, the case may be retried with a new jury. If the second jury is also unable to reach a verdict, the judge may declare a mistrial.

Does the jury decide the sentence?

If a defendant pleads guilty or no contest, or a jury finds them guilty, then the judge decides what penalties or punishments they face. This is called sentencing. A judge will address victim compensation, called restitution.

What is a general verdict?

A general verdict is a verdict in which the jury decides which party should win the case, without listing its specific findings on any disputed issues.

What is a final verdict?

Ruling by the judge in a criminal case, which terminates the proceedings before the court concerned.

Is the verdict the end of a trial?

The trial ends with a verdict declaring the accused guilty or not guilty. If the verdict is guilty, a sentence is then imposed by the judge.

Does a jury verdict need to be unanimous?

In a criminal case, the unanimous agreement of all 12 jurors is required.

What crimes require a unanimous jury?

For criminal trials, nearly every state requires the jury to produce a unanimous verdict. For civil trials, almost one-third of states only require a majority for a verdict. Some states require a majority if the money at issue in the trial is below a certain amount, and a unanimous verdict all other times.

What are the two options for verdicts?

Possible verdicts in criminal cases are guilty or not guilty. In a civil suit, the jury will find for the plaintiff or the defendant. If the jury finds for the plaintiff, it will also usually set out the amount the defendant should pay the plaintiff for damages, often after a separate hearing concerning damages.

How many jurors need to agree?

The jury's decision must usually be unanimous – that is, every juror must agree with the verdict.

Can a judge disagree with a jury verdict?

Once a verdict has been rendered, either guilty or not guilty, the judge cannot overrule the jury. However, under California law, a defendant can make a motion for judgment of acquittal before the evidence is submitted to the jury.

Why are there 12 jurors?

The king established jury trials in early 8th century CE, and decided on the number 12, purportedly saying, “For as Christ and his 12 apostles were finally to judge the world, so human tribunals should be composed of the king and 12 wise men,” with the King holding court and acting as judge.

What is the difference between a hung jury and a not guilty verdict?

For the defendant, a hung jury may mean that they have not been found guilty, but it also means that the case could be retried, leading to additional stress and cost. For the prosecution, a hung jury means that they have failed to secure a conviction, which can be a blow to their case and reputation.

How do juries verdicts differ from those of judges?

The judge is impartial and there to make sure the trial is fair to both sides. A verdict of guilt or innocence in a jury trial must be unanimous. That means everyone must agree.

What are the types of directed verdict?

3d 626, the court noted that “there are two types of directed verdicts: (1) 'the most common type of directed verdict, where the claimant loses because claimant's proof is inadequate' and (2) 'when the claimant's evidence is overwhelming, and in the analogous situations when the evidence on a defense is either ...

Why do lawyers say objection during a trial?

An objection is a formal protest raised by a party or counsel during a legal proceeding asserting that an error, contrary to the rules of evidence or other procedural law, has been or will be made.

Can the state bring you to trial again if there is a mistrial?

If a mistrial is declared after that point, the Double Jeopardy Clause may prevent the defendant from being retried for the same offense, unless certain exceptions apply. For example, if a mistrial is declared because of a hung jury, or at the request of the defendant, a retrial is generally allowed.

How do jurors determine guilt?

The jurors must consider the weight of each side's evidence to decide whether the defendant is guilty or not guilty. It is also the jurors' responsibility to assess the credibility of witnesses and testimony by attending to various details, such as the witness's relationship to the defendant.