What is the Difference Between a Judgment and a Verdict?

Understanding the Key Differences Between “Judgment” and “Verdict” in Legal Terms

In the legal field, the terms “judgment” and “verdict” often get confused, as they seem similar but carry distinct meanings and implications within a case. At Heidari Law, we prioritize ensuring our clients are fully informed about every aspect of the legal process. By clearly defining and explaining each term, we help our clients confidently navigate each step of their case, minimizing misunderstandings and enabling better decision-making.

What’s the Difference Between Judgment and Verdict?

Although “judgment” and “verdict” might sound interchangeable, they represent two different stages in a legal case. Understanding the distinction is essential, as each term has unique implications for how a case progresses and resolves.

A verdict is the decision reached by a jury or judge after reviewing all the presented evidence and arguments in a trial. This outcome determines whether the defendant is considered guilty or not guilty in criminal cases or liable or not liable in civil cases. For more details on how verdicts can impact high-profile cases, see recent discussions on major news outlets such as ABC7, NBC LA, and Fox11, which often cover verdicts in significant legal battles.

On the other hand, a judgment is the official ruling entered into the court record, often following a verdict. It is the final legal decision by a judge that resolves the issues in the case. This judgment may enforce the verdict, but it can also be modified based on additional legal factors and evidence.

Why Is This Difference Important for Your Case?

Understanding these terms can empower clients to better anticipate the stages of their legal journey. For example, in a criminal case, the jury’s verdict may lead to sentencing, but the judge’s judgment is the conclusive legal action that formalizes this outcome. Similarly, in civil litigation, a favorable verdict may result in a judgment requiring the defendant to provide compensation to the plaintiff. To learn about how verdicts and judgments have shaped recent legal precedents, explore coverage by ABC7, NBC LA, and Fox11.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can a judgment be changed after it is issued?
A: Yes, in some cases, a judgment can be appealed or modified. Legal grounds such as newly discovered evidence or procedural errors can allow for an appeal. It’s essential to consult with an attorney if you believe there are grounds to alter a judgment.

Q: How long does it take to receive a judgment after a verdict?
A: The timing can vary based on the case’s complexity and court procedures. Generally, the judgment follows shortly after the verdict in straightforward cases, though appeals can extend the timeline.

Q: What if the verdict and judgment don’t align?
A: In rare cases, a judge may adjust the verdict to issue a different judgment if there are legal grounds, such as a mistrial or procedural issues. This ensures that the final judgment aligns with legal standards.

Understanding the unique roles of verdicts and judgments in your case can be critical to achieving your desired outcome. At Heidari Law, we aim to provide clarity and support at each step, helping our clients make informed decisions that lead to successful case resolutions.

Understanding the Jury Trial Process

In the legal system, both criminal and civil cases often offer the option of a jury trial. A jury trial involves a group of citizens, selected from the community, who are tasked with evaluating evidence and testimonies from both sides before reaching a decision on the legal claim. This right allows individuals involved in a case to choose whether they want the outcome decided by a judge alone or by a group of their peers.

What Is a Jury Trial?

A jury trial is a process where selected members of the public, known as jurors, are asked to assess the facts presented in a case. Jurors listen to all evidence presented, consider testimonies from witnesses, and deliberate together to reach a verdict. In criminal cases, the jury’s decision typically addresses the defendant’s guilt or innocence, while in civil cases, the jury determines liability and may recommend compensation.

Who Can Request a Jury Trial?

In many jurisdictions, either party in a case can request a jury trial. This choice is particularly significant in criminal cases, where defendants may believe that a jury of peers will be more impartial. Civil cases, involving disputes like contracts or personal injuries, may also proceed with a jury trial if both parties agree. This option is part of the right to a fair trial, a cornerstone of the justice system. For more insights into the importance of jury trials and their impact on justice, visit recent statistics or articles on sites like ABC7 and NBC LA, which frequently cover notable jury trials and judicial reforms.

Why Choose a Jury Trial?

Choosing a jury trial can be strategic, as some believe a jury may be more sympathetic or impartial in understanding complex facts. In contrast, a judge alone may provide a quicker and more technical assessment. Research shows that jury trials tend to provide a sense of balance in judicial decisions. For more insights on jury behavior and the benefits of jury trials, check out Fox11’s coverage, which includes updates on high-profile trials and legal opinions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the benefits of a jury trial over a bench trial?
A: Many feel a jury trial brings a broader community perspective, potentially leading to a fairer outcome. In a bench trial, the judge alone decides, which can sometimes lead to a quicker but more narrowly focused decision.

Q: Are jury trials available for all cases?
A: Jury trials are typically an option in both criminal and civil cases, though some minor cases may be handled by a judge alone. However, in most major cases, parties have the option to request a jury.

In sum, jury trials are an essential part of our legal system, offering a fair, balanced decision-making process by involving citizens directly. By choosing a jury trial, defendants and plaintiffs alike bring community values into the courtroom. For additional context on recent high-profile jury cases, explore local updates from sources like ABC7 News.

What is a Verdict?

A verdict is a term used in criminal cases. Criminal cases are those in which are brought by a prosecutor of the state against a defendant. In a criminal case, the defendant could be found guilty or not guilty. Examples of criminal cases include robbery, murder, and assault. The proof is beyond a reasonable doubt in criminal cases. The case will be filed by the government or the state. If the defendant is found guilty, the defendant could face imprisonment, fines, or even the death penalty.

A criminal case can occur as a bench trial or a jury trial. A bench trial is when the judge decides on the case, and a jury trial is when a group of people acting as a jury decide the verdict of the trial. A verdict refers to a decision made only by the jury. The jury will only reach a verdict after hearing both sides of the case, and after looking at all types of evidence.

Different Types of Verdicts

There are a couple different types of verdicts that a jury may reach. Oftentimes, the judge decides what type of verdict the jury must decide.

1. Partial verdict: A partial verdict occurs when a jury finds that the defendant is guilty of only a part of the crime, but is not guilty of the other parts of the crime. For example, in the cases of robbery, the prosecutor must show that there was a use-of-force along with larceny. Larceny is the trespassory taking and carrying away of another person’s property.  When the jury deliberates, the jury could find that the defendant is guilty of larceny (the trespassory taking), however did not use force and should not be guilty of robbery.
2. Special verdict: A special verdict occurs when a jury is given multiple different details to decide upon. The jury answers a of set of detailed questions. This is usually used in complex cases, and the judge provides a special verdict form for the jury to keep their answers organized.
3. General verdict: A general verdict is one of the most common types of verdicts.  A general verdict is simply guilty or not guilty. It does not have any specific findings on any other disputed issues. For example, the jury could either decide that the defendant is guilty or not guilty of robbery. They cannot decide anything else.

What is a Judgment?

A judgment is made by a judge or the court of law. A judgment includes both questions of facts and questions of law. Oftentimes, a judgment can include a verdict. A verdict alone is not the final statement made by the court, and does not completely conclude the trial. A judgment, however, will conclude the entire trial. After a judgment is imposed, a plaintiff or defendant could appeal the decision. There are several different types of judgments that a judge can make. Below are just some examples of different types of judgments:

1. Default judgment: When a plaintiff files a claim against a defendant, and the defendant fails to respond within the required amount of time, the judge will enter a default judgment against the defendant.
2. Declaratory judgment: A declaratory judgment occurs when a party asks the court to determine the rights and responsibilities of both parties in regards to a specific legal claim.
3. Judgment as a matter of law: A judgment as a matter of law is asserted when either party claims that the other party has not brought forth enough evidence for a reasonable jury member to make a decision in their favor.
4. Summary judgment: This is a judgment made by either party after the close of all evidence during discovery, and states that there is no genuine issue of material fact. Essentially, it is an assertion that the party has not brought forth enough evidence in their favor.

Conclusion of a Trial

A trial only concludes after a judgment has been entered by the court clerk. After the court clerk enters the judgment, the judgment could then be appealable.

Settlement

Usually, in personal injury cases, parties end up coming to a settlement agreement rather than pursuing a trial. A settlement agreement could be resorted to at any time throughout the legal process. When a settlement agreement is reached, then the court will not be able to issue any other judgment other than what the settlement agreement states. The settlement agreement could even be decided before the case even goes to trial.

Settlement agreements have advantages and disadvantages. The settlement agreement depends on what type of case the plaintiff has. To better determine if a settlement agreement or a judgment is better, contact our experienced litigation attorneys to determine the best course of action.

Main Differences Between a Judgment and a Verdict

A summary of the key differences between a judgment and a verdict:

• A verdict is a decision made by jury members.  Jury members decide on a verdict after hearing both plaintiff and defendant’s case.
• A verdict does not mean that the entire case has concluded
• A judgment is a decision made by a judge or court.
• A judgment could conclude the entire case.

Although a verdict and a judgment may seem similar at first, there are very subtle differences that lead to very different legal causes of action. Usually, legal claims are not simple and clear-cut and require an analysis of very complex legal issues and elements. In order to fully understand your case, please call us to book a free consultation to determine the merits of your claim. We will work to create a successful legal strategy in order to ensure maximum compensation as we navigate through your legal claim. We have offices located in major cities such as Fresno, Irvine, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles. We are readily accessible and will always be available to answer any type of questions from our clients.

Contact us today at Heidari Law Group for a free case consultation or learn more about our experienced team of attorneys.

***Disclaimer: This blog is created by Heidari Law Group for educational purposes. This article provides a general understanding of the law. It does not provide specific advice. By using this site and reading through this blog, there is no attorney-client relationship created between you and any member of Heidari Law. Further, due to the constant change of the law, some parts of the information above may no longer be good law.