Definition

Noun: A special verdict is a formal decision made by a jury in a legal trial. Unlike a general verdict, which simply states whether a party is guilty or liable, a special verdict presents the jury's findings on specific, individual questions of fact that have been posed by the judge. The court then applies the law to these found facts to determine the final judgment.

Usage

A special verdict is used in complex legal cases where it is beneficial to separate the jury's role as a finder of fact from the judge's role as an applier of law. The jury answers a detailed list of factual questions ("special interrogatories") without stating a conclusion for either party.

Examples

• The jury returned a special verdict, detailing their findings on each element of the breach of contract claim.
• In the complicated patent case, the judge requested a special verdict on twelve specific technical issues.
• The appellate court reviewed the special verdict form to see if the jury's factual answers supported the judge's final ruling.

Advanced Usage

• To render/deliver a special verdict: This is the formal act of the jury presenting its specific factual findings to the court.
• Special verdict form: The document containing the specific questions for the jury to answer.

Variants and Related Words

• General verdict (n): The more common type of verdict where the jury finds directly for the plaintiff or the defendant, combining findings of fact with application of the law.
• Interrogatory (n): A formal written question, often part of the discovery process or, in this context, posed to the jury.

Synonyms

• Factual findings (in a legal context)
• Jury answers (to interrogatories)

Antonyms

• General verdict

Noun

1. a verdict rendered on certain specific factual issues posed by the court without finding for one party or the other