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verdict

noun

/ˈvɜr dɪkt/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of verdict

The formal decision or judgment rendered by a jury or a judge at the conclusion of a legal trial or proceeding.
"The jury deliberated for hours before reaching a unanimous verdict."

Detailed meaning of verdict

It represents the official determination of guilt or innocence, liability or non-liability, or the resolution of a legal dispute. The verdict serves as the final pronouncement of the court regarding the outcome of the case and carries legal consequences. It is based on the examination of evidence, testimonies, and arguments presented during the trial. A verdict can result in various outcomes, such as a guilty or not guilty verdict in a criminal trial, a liable or not liable verdict in a civil case, or a verdict of innocence or guilt in a disciplinary hearing. The verdict represents the culmination of the legal process and plays a pivotal role in determining the rights, responsibilities, and outcomes for the parties involved.

Example sentences containing verdict

1. The judge delivered the guilty verdict, sentencing the defendant to prison.
2. The medical examiner's report played a crucial role in determining the final verdict.
3. The civil trial ended with a favorable verdict for the plaintiff, awarding them compensation.
4. The Supreme Court's landmark verdict set a precedent for future legal cases.
5. The defense attorney was disappointed with the not guilty verdict for his client.
6. The jury's verdict was met with applause and relief from the victim's family.

History and etymology of verdict

The noun 'verdict' has its etymological roots in Latin and Old French. It originates from the Latin term 'veredictum,' which combines 'verus,' meaning 'true,' and 'dictum,' meaning 'saying' or 'declaration.' In medieval legal proceedings in England, the phrase 'veredictum' referred to the true saying or declaration of a jury in response to the charges or issues presented in a trial. Over time, this Latin term evolved into the Old French word 'verdit,' which retained the same meaning. As 'verdit' made its way into English, it transformed into the word 'verdict,' representing the formal decision or judgment rendered by a jury or a judge at the conclusion of a legal trial or proceeding. The etymology of 'verdict' thus reflects its historical association with the notion of truth and the pronouncement of a legally binding judgment based on the facts presented in court.

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Further usage examples of verdict

1. The judge postponed the verdict until further evidence could be examined.
2. The prosecutor presented compelling evidence that swayed the jury toward a guilty verdict.
3. The appellate court overturned the original verdict, granting a new trial.
4. The jury's split verdict led to a mistrial, requiring the case to be retried.
5. The final verdict brought closure to the long and contentious legal battle.The jury reached a unanimous verdict in the high-profile trial.
6. The judge's verdict surprised everyone in the courtroom.
7. The verdict was met with applause from the gallery.
8. The lengthy trial finally yielded a verdict today.
9. The verdict marked the end of a complex legal battle.
10. The verdict brought closure to the victim's family.
11. The jury deliberated for hours before delivering a verdict.
12. The defense attorney was pleased with the not guilty verdict.
13. The guilty verdict was a major blow to the defendant.
14. The verdict will be announced in the morning session.
15. The verdict is expected to set a legal precedent.
16. The jury's verdict hinged on the key witness's testimony.
17. The judge will read the verdict aloud in open court.
18. The verdict confirmed the defendant's innocence.
19. The verdict was reached after careful consideration.
20. The trial ended with a unanimous guilty verdict.
21. The verdict will be published in the official records.
22. The verdict will have far-reaching consequences.
23. The verdict will be appealed by the defense.
24. The verdict left the courtroom in stunned silence.