Verdict Means Truly Said
A verdict is a jury's decision. The word is a compound of the Latin for true and said, which is a high standard for a name.
A verdict is the decision of a jury on the facts of a case. The word is built from Latin *vere dictum*, truly said. That is what a jury is asked for: not an opinion but a finding. The judge then applies the law, which is why *verdict* and *sentence* are different things.
- A jury's decision. *A unanimous verdict.*
- A judgement or opinion. *The critics' verdict.*
- Open verdict — where the cause cannot be determined. *The coroner returned an open verdict.*
Word forms
| Form | Word | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Noun | verdict | A majority verdict. |
| Plural | verdicts | Conflicting verdicts. |
| Related | sentence | A custodial sentence. |
| Related | judgment | The court's judgment. |
| Related | finding | A finding of fact. |
How it is used in a sentence
- The jury returned a verdict of not guilty.Return is the standard verb.
- Sentencing was adjourned.The verdict comes first, the sentence later.
- The verdict of history is harsher.Figurative.
Verdicts and findings
- Guilty or not guilty — the two verdicts in most criminal systems
- Not proven — a third verdict available in Scotland
- Majority verdict — permitted in some jurisdictions after time
- Open verdict — at an inquest, where the cause is undetermined
- Hung jury — unable to reach a verdict at all
From Anglo-French *verdit*, from Latin *vere dictum*, truly said, from *verus*, true, and *dicere*, to say — the same roots as *verify* and *dictate*.
Verdict or sentence?
The verdict decides guilt. The sentence is the punishment, decided by the judge afterwards.
What is the not proven verdict?
A third verdict historically available in Scotland, with the same effect as an acquittal. Its future has been repeatedly debated.