Definition

Noun: A verdict, or formal decision by a jury, that simply states which party (plaintiff or defendant) wins the case, without providing any specific explanations, findings of fact, or answers to particular questions.

Usage

A general verdict is the most common type of verdict in jury trials. It is a single, conclusive declaration of the jury's final decision on the ultimate issue of the case (e.g., "We find the defendant liable" or "We find the defendant not guilty"). It contrasts with a special verdict, where the jury answers specific factual questions posed by the judge, who then applies the law to those answers.

Examples

• The jury returned a general verdict in favor of the plaintiff, awarding damages of one million dollars.
• After three days of deliberation, the foreperson announced the general verdict: "Not guilty."
• The judge instructed the jury that they could deliver either a general verdict or a special verdict.

Advanced Usage

• Legal Strategy: Attorneys may prefer a general verdict when the case involves complex emotional elements, as it allows the jury to deliver a holistic decision without being constrained by specific, technical factual questions.
• Appeals: A general verdict can be more difficult to appeal successfully because it does not reveal the jury's reasoning process or which specific arguments they found persuasive.

Variants and Related Words

• Verdict (n): The formal decision or finding made by a jury concerning the questions submitted to it during a trial.
• Special Verdict (n): A verdict where the jury makes findings on specific factual issues submitted by the judge, leaving the application of the law to those facts to the judge.
• Directed Verdict (n): A ruling by a judge, typically made before the case is submitted to the jury, deciding the case in favor of one party because the other party has failed to present a legally sufficient case.

Synonyms

• Unspecified verdict
• Simple verdict
• General finding

Antonyms

• Special verdict
• Fact-specific verdict
• Interrogated verdict

Noun

1. an ordinary verdict declaring which party prevails without any special findings of fact