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Simple English definitions for legal terms
responsive verdict
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A quick definition of responsive verdict:
A verdict is a decision made by a jury or judge in a court case. It can be guilty or not guilty, or it can be a compromise verdict where some issues are conceded to avoid a deadlock. A responsive verdict is a specific type of verdict in civil law that answers the indictment with specific findings prescribed by statute, such as guilty, not guilty, or guilty of a lesser included offense. Other types of verdicts include directed verdicts, excessive verdicts, and split verdicts.A more thorough explanation:
A responsive verdict is a finding or decision made by a jury or judge on the factual issues of a case. It is a verdict that properly answers the indictment with specific findings prescribed by statute, with possible findings being guilty, not guilty, and guilty of a lesser included offense.
For example, in a criminal case, a responsive verdict would be a finding of guilty or not guilty on the charges brought against the defendant. In a civil case, a responsive verdict would be a finding of liability or non-liability on the claims made by the plaintiff.
Responsive verdicts are important because they provide a clear and specific answer to the issues presented in a case. They help to ensure that justice is served and that the parties involved receive a fair and just outcome.