verdict

A verdict is the formal decision or finding of a jury or judge in a legal case, resolving the essential question or questions presented by the evidence. The term comes from the Latin veredictum, meaning “truth spoken.”

In criminal cases, a verdict typically declares whether the defendant is guilty or not guilty of the charged offenses. In common law systems, the standard of proof is beyond a reasonable doubt, and the verdict can be accompanied by specific findings or explanations in some jurisdictions. A hung jury, or a failure to reach a verdict, can lead to a mistrial and may allow for a retrial.

In civil cases, a verdict determines liability or fault, and sometimes the amount of damages, depending on the jurisdiction and the instructions given to the jury. The standard of proof is generally a preponderance of the evidence, or a higher standard such as clear and convincing evidence in certain situations. A jury may render a verdict in a jury trial, while a judge may issue a bench verdict in a nonjury trial.

After a verdict is rendered, a judgment is usually entered by the court, and enforcement or damages may follow. Verdicts can be subject to appeals on issues of law or procedure, but not on the factual findings themselves in most systems. The term is also used metaphorically to describe the outcome of a decision or the consensus of a group on a given matter.