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 Pennsylvania, 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, the jury receives instructions from the judge, known as the jury charge, which outlines the legal standards that should guide their deliberations. The jury then answers specific questions related to the facts of the case, often in the form of a verdict slip. These answers are used to determine the outcome of the lawsuit, which is the jury verdict. The verdict indicates whether the defendant is liable and, if so, may include the amount of damages awarded to the plaintiff. The court then enters a judgment based on the jury's verdict, which is a formal statement of the decision and the relief granted, such as monetary compensation or injunctive relief. This judgment is enforceable in court, and either party may appeal the judgment if they believe there has been a legal error in the trial process.