The jury’s answers to the questions it receives from the court (judge) in the jury charge determines the outcome of the lawsuit (the jury verdict), and is ultimately reflected in the court’s judgment (the statement of the relief granted in the lawsuit—generally who owes who money).
In Delaware, as in other states, the jury plays a critical role in the legal process during a trial. The judge provides the jury with instructions, known as the jury charge, which outlines the legal standards and definitions relevant to the case. The jury then deliberates and answers specific questions based on the evidence presented during the trial. These questions often relate to the facts of the case and the application of the law as instructed by the judge. The jury's answers to these questions form the basis of the jury verdict, which determines the outcome of the lawsuit. Once the jury reaches a verdict, the judge will enter a judgment based on this verdict. The judgment is the official decision of the court and details the relief granted, such as the amount of damages awarded or other remedies. In Delaware, the judgment is subject to the rules of civil procedure and can be appealed to a higher court if either party believes there has been an error in the legal process.