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What is a General Verdict? A Comprehensive Legal Overview
Definition & Meaning
A general verdict is a decision made by a jury that determines which party wins in a legal dispute, without addressing specific factual questions. This type of verdict provides a complete resolution to the case. In civil cases, the jury decides whether to favor the plaintiff or the defendant, establishing liability and the amount of damages awarded. In criminal cases, the jury's role is to determine if the defendant is "guilty" or "not guilty" of the charges against them. For serious crimes, a unanimous verdict is required, while in some minor cases, a majority vote may suffice, depending on state laws.
Table of content
Legal Use & context
General verdicts are commonly used in both civil and criminal law. In civil cases, they help juries decide on liability and the compensation owed to the injured party. In criminal cases, they determine the outcome of the prosecution's charges against the defendant. Users can manage some of the related processes using legal templates from US Legal Forms, which are crafted by experienced attorneys.
Key legal elements
Real-world examples
Here are a couple of examples of abatement:
Example 1: In a civil lawsuit, a jury may issue a general verdict stating that the defendant is liable for damages caused to the plaintiff, specifying the amount to be awarded.
Example 2: In a criminal trial, the jury may return a general verdict of "not guilty," indicating that the prosecution did not prove the defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. (hypothetical example)
State-by-state differences
State
General Verdict Requirements
California
Unanimous verdict required in felony cases; majority verdicts allowed in misdemeanor cases.
Florida
Unanimous verdict required for all criminal cases.
Oregon
Allows non-unanimous verdicts in criminal cases (10 to 2).
This is not a complete list. State laws vary and users should consult local rules for specific guidance.
Comparison with related terms
Term
Description
Special Verdict
A verdict where the jury answers specific questions about the facts of the case, rather than declaring a winner.
Directed Verdict
A ruling by the judge that the jury must reach a specific verdict, often due to insufficient evidence for one side.
Common misunderstandings
What to do if this term applies to you
If you are involved in a legal case where a general verdict may be issued, consider consulting with a legal professional to understand your rights and options. You can also explore US Legal Forms for templates that may assist you in preparing necessary documents for your case.
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