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Civil procedure

jury verdict

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 Massachusetts, as in other states, the jury plays a critical role in the legal process during a trial. After hearing the evidence and arguments presented by both sides in a lawsuit, the jury receives instructions from the judge, known as the jury charge. This charge includes questions that the jury must answer based on the evidence and the law as instructed by the judge. The jury's answers to these questions are what determine the outcome of the lawsuit, which is known as the jury verdict. The verdict indicates which party has prevailed on the key issues of the case. Following the jury's verdict, the court will enter a judgment, which is the formal decision of the court that indicates the relief granted, such as who owes whom money, or what actions must be taken. The judgment is based on the jury's verdict and reflects the resolution of the lawsuit as determined by the jury's findings.

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Civil procedure

jury verdict

Individual & Family Legal Plan

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Massachusetts State Code

Massachusetts State Code

Civil procedure

jury verdict

Articles