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 Kansas, as in other states, the jury plays a critical role in the legal process during a trial. The judge provides the jury with a set of instructions, known as the jury charge, which outlines the legal standards and definitions relevant to the case. The jury uses these instructions to evaluate the evidence presented during the trial. After deliberations, the jury answers specific questions designed to lead to a verdict, which is their formal decision regarding the facts of the case. These answers are typically provided on a verdict form. The jury's verdict determines the outcome of the lawsuit, including who is liable and the extent of any damages awarded. The judge then enters a judgment based on the jury's verdict, which is the official decision of the court and specifies the relief granted, such as the amount of money one party owes to another. This judgment is enforceable by law and can be appealed to a higher court if one of the parties believes there has been a legal error in the process.