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 Ohio, 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 related to the facts of the case, often in the form of a verdict form. These answers lead to the jury's verdict, which determines the outcome of the lawsuit. The verdict indicates whether the defendant is liable and, if so, what damages must be paid to the plaintiff. The court then enters a judgment based on the jury's verdict, which formalizes the decision 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 subject to appeal by either party.