Understanding Jury Verdicts
Understanding Jury Verdicts
A jury verdict is the formal decision made by a group of jurors after they have listened to all the evidence and arguments presented during a trial. In the UK, the jury plays a crucial role in both criminal and some civil cases. Their responsibility is to carefully consider the facts, weigh up the evidence, and reach a decision based on what they have heard in court.
In criminal trials, the jury decides whether the defendant is guilty or not guilty of the offence they have been charged with. A verdict of not guilty means the prosecution has not proved its case beyond reasonable doubt, and the defendant will be acquitted. In civil cases, the jury may be asked to decide if a party is liable or not liable for harm or loss.
The verdict is a vital part of the trial process because it determines the outcome for those involved. Once the jurors have reached their decision, it is announced in open court and becomes legally binding. This outcome can have significant consequences, such as a conviction, acquittal, or a requirement to pay damages.
Jurors are expected to base their verdict solely on the evidence and legal directions given by the judge. They must not be influenced by outside opinions or information. The process takes place in the courtroom, and if you want to understand more about what happens during a court day, you can find further details to help you prepare.
Sometimes, juries are unable to reach a unanimous verdict, where all jurors agree. In such cases, the judge may accept a majority verdict, depending on the circumstances and the type of case. If the jury still cannot agree, this is known as a "hung jury," and the judge may declare a mistrial, which could lead to a retrial with a new jury.
Understanding how jury verdicts fit into the court process can help you feel more confident if you are attending court, whether as a juror, witness, or party to a case. The jury’s decision is a key moment in any trial, reflecting their careful consideration of the law and evidence presented.
How Juries Reach Their Verdict
After all the evidence has been presented and both sides have made their final oral submissions, the judge will give the jury clear instructions on the law and the questions they must answer. This marks the start of the jury’s deliberation process – a crucial stage in the hearing process.
During deliberations, jurors meet in private to discuss the case. Their role is to consider all the facts, review the evidence and witnesses, and reach a fair and impartial verdict. Jurors must not let personal opinions or outside influences affect their decision. They are expected to focus only on what they have seen and heard in court, including the testimony from court witnesses and any physical or documentary evidence presented.
In criminal trials, the jury’s main task is to decide whether the defendant is guilty or not guilty. They must apply the legal instructions given by the judge, considering the standard of proof – beyond reasonable doubt. Jurors are encouraged to reach a unanimous verdict, meaning all members agree. However, if they cannot agree after a reasonable time, the judge may accept a majority verdict. According to the Criminal Justice Act 2003, Section 17, in England and Wales, a majority verdict can be accepted if at least 10 out of 12 jurors agree.
In civil cases, such as those involving defamation or personal injury, the jury’s decision is usually based on the balance of probabilities. The rules for reaching a verdict in civil trials are set out in the Civil Procedure Rules 1998. Unanimity is preferred, but majority verdicts may also be accepted, depending on the circumstances and the specific rules of the court.
Throughout their discussions, jurors consider the credibility of witnesses, the strength of the evidence, and the directions given by the judge. They must set aside any prejudice and work together to reach a just outcome. This careful and confidential process ensures that the verdict reflects a fair assessment of the case, based solely on what happened in court.
If the jury cannot reach a verdict, even after being allowed to return a majority decision, the judge may declare a “hung jury,” and the case may need to be retried. For more information on how the jury’s role fits into the overall court process, see our guide to the hearing process.
Types of Jury Verdicts
Types of Jury Verdicts
Jury verdicts play a crucial role in both criminal and civil trials in the UK. Understanding the types of verdicts and how they are reached can help anyone involved in a court case, whether as a juror, witness, or party to the proceedings. Below, we explain the different verdicts a jury can deliver, how they are decided, and what happens if the jury cannot agree.
Common Types of Verdicts
The type of verdict a jury delivers depends on the nature of the case:
- Guilty or Not Guilty: In criminal cases, the jury must decide whether the defendant is guilty or not guilty of the offence charged. A "guilty" verdict means the jury is convinced beyond reasonable doubt that the defendant committed the crime. A "not guilty" verdict means the prosecution has not proved its case to this standard.
- Liable or Not Liable: In civil cases, the jury determines whether the defendant is liable or not liable for the harm claimed by the claimant. "Liable" means the defendant is legally responsible, while "not liable" means they are not.
These verdicts are the jury’s final answer to the main question in the trial and are central to the outcome of the case.
Unanimous and Majority Verdicts
Traditionally, jury verdicts in the UK had to be unanimous, meaning all jurors agreed. However, in some circumstances, majority verdicts are permitted:
- Unanimous Verdicts: The preferred outcome is for all jury members to agree on the verdict.
- Majority Verdicts: If jurors cannot all agree after a reasonable period of deliberation, the judge may accept a majority decision. In most criminal cases, a majority verdict is acceptable if at least 10 out of 12 jurors (or 9 out of 11, or 8 out of 10) agree. The rules for majority verdicts are set out in the Criminal Justice Act 2003, Section 17.
The judge will advise the jury when a majority verdict is allowed, and the process is carefully managed to ensure fairness.
What Happens if the Jury Cannot Agree?
Sometimes, despite lengthy discussions, the jury cannot reach a verdict, even by majority. This is known as a "hung jury." In criminal trials, if the jury remains deadlocked:
- The judge may discharge the jury and order a retrial with a new jury.
- In some cases, the prosecution may decide not to proceed with another trial.
A hung jury is different from a case dismissal, where the judge ends the case without a verdict, often due to legal or procedural issues.
Civil Cases: Different Rules
Civil cases have their own rules for jury verdicts. While juries are less common in civil trials, when they are used, the requirements for a verdict may differ from criminal cases. The number of jurors and the proportion needed for a verdict can vary. For detailed procedures, see the Civil Procedure Rules 1998.
The Importance of a Jury Verdict
A jury verdict is usually the final word in a trial, determining the outcome for the parties involved. In criminal cases, a guilty verdict can lead to sentencing, while a not guilty verdict means the defendant is acquitted and free to go. In civil cases, a finding of liability may result in the award of damages or other remedies.
Understanding the types of jury verdicts and their significance is key for anyone involved in the legal process. If you want to know more about how verdicts fit into different types of hearings, or how they compare to a case being dismissed, follow the links for further guidance.
What Happens If the Jury Cannot Reach a Verdict
When a jury in the UK cannot agree on a verdict after lengthy discussions, this is known as a hung jury. In essence, a hung jury means that the jurors are unable to reach either a unanimous or, where allowed, a majority decision on whether the defendant is guilty or not guilty. This situation can bring uncertainty to everyone involved in the trial, from the defendant and the prosecution to witnesses and the wider public.
What Is a Hung Jury?
A hung jury occurs when, after deliberating, the jurors are not able to reach the required level of agreement. In most criminal cases heard in the Crown Court, the judge will initially ask for a unanimous verdict. If the jury cannot agree, the judge may later accept a majority verdict – usually at least 10 out of 12 jurors, or 9 out of 11, depending on the number of jurors left. If the jury still cannot reach a verdict, the trial cannot continue to a conclusion. For a more detailed look at this scenario, see the hung jury discussion from The University of Aberdeen.
What Happens Next?
When a hung jury is declared, the judge will formally discharge the jury from giving a verdict. This does not mean the case is automatically over. Instead, the court and the prosecution must decide what to do next. There are two common outcomes:
- Retrial: The most frequent result is that the prosecution decides to have a new trial with a fresh jury. This means the entire case is heard again from the beginning, including all evidence and witness testimony. Retrials are not guaranteed; the decision depends on factors such as the seriousness of the charge, the evidence available, and the public interest.
- Case Dismissal: In some circumstances, the prosecution may decide not to pursue the case further. This could be because the evidence is not strong enough or it is not in the public interest to proceed. If this happens, the case may be dismissed. You can find more about this process in our guide to case dismissal.
How Do Judges Handle a Hung Jury?
Judges follow strict procedures when dealing with a jury that cannot agree. After initial deliberations, the judge may give the jury further instructions or encourage them to continue discussions, reminding them of their duty to try to reach a verdict. However, the judge cannot force the jurors to agree. If it becomes clear that a verdict is impossible, the judge will discharge the jury. These procedures are set out in the Criminal Procedure Rules 2015, Rule 36, which guide how courts should handle situations where no verdict is reached.
Impact on Those Involved
A hung jury can be stressful for everyone involved. Defendants, victims, and witnesses may face further uncertainty and the prospect of going through another trial. Legal costs and emotional strain can increase, and the process may take many more months to resolve. If you are involved in a case where the jury cannot agree, it is important to understand your options and what might happen next. For more details on possible outcomes and how to prepare, see our section on judgment and next steps.
In summary, while a hung jury does not bring a final resolution, it is a recognised outcome in the UK legal system with clear rules and procedures. Understanding what happens next can help you navigate this challenging situation with greater confidence.
After the Jury Verdict: What Comes Next
When the jury reaches its decision and delivers the verdict in court, the process moves swiftly to the next stage. The judge will ask the foreperson of the jury to state the verdict aloud – whether it is “guilty” or “not guilty” in a criminal trial, or in favour of the claimant or defendant in a civil case. This announcement is a significant moment, as it marks the formal conclusion of the jury’s role in the trial.
Immediately after the verdict is delivered, the judge formally records the decision. In legal terms, this is known as the judgment. The judge may provide a summary of the outcome and, in some cases, offer further explanation for the benefit of those present in court. The official record of the judgment ensures clarity and finality, and it is a crucial document for both parties.
What Happens Next in Criminal and Civil Cases
In criminal cases, if the verdict is “guilty,” the judge will move on to sentencing. Sometimes sentencing happens straight away, but often there is a separate hearing to allow for reports or further submissions. If the verdict is “not guilty,” the defendant is usually released immediately, unless there are other outstanding matters. For more details about criminal trials and the role of the Crown Court, you can consult the official judiciary guidance.
In civil cases, the judge’s role is to confirm the jury’s decision and issue the final judgment, which may include awarding damages or other remedies. Both parties will receive a copy of the judgment, which sets out the court’s decision and any orders that must be followed.
Options After the Verdict: Appeals and Further Steps
If a party is dissatisfied with the outcome – whether in a criminal or civil case – there may be grounds to challenge the verdict or the judgment. In criminal cases, the convicted person can apply for permission to appeal against their conviction or sentence, but strict time limits and legal grounds apply.
In civil cases, either party may be able to appeal the decision. The procedures for appeals are set out in the Civil Procedure Rules 1998, which explain the steps required to challenge a jury’s verdict or the judge’s orders. For a practical overview of how to start a civil appeal, including deadlines and documentation, you can refer to our dedicated guidance.
Understanding Your Judgment and Next Steps
It is important to carefully read and understand the judgment, as it outlines the court’s decision and your obligations or rights moving forward. If you are unsure about your options, seek legal advice as soon as possible. For a more detailed explanation of the judgment and next steps, including how to enforce a judgment or consider an appeal, explore our comprehensive resources.
The period immediately after a jury verdict can feel overwhelming, but knowing what to expect and where to find authoritative information can help you make informed decisions about your next steps.
Preparing for a Jury Verdict Day
Preparing for a jury verdict day can feel daunting, especially if you are directly involved in the trial or supporting someone who is. Understanding what to expect and how to prepare can help ease any anxiety and ensure you are ready for this important stage.
Tips for Attending Court on Verdict Day
Plan your arrival: On the day a verdict is expected, it’s important to arrive at court on time. Courts can be busy, and security checks are routine. To help you prepare, review the guide on arriving and checking in at court, which explains what to bring, where to go, and what to expect when you enter the building.
Know the procedures: Once inside, you may need to wait for some time before the verdict is announced. The process of delivering a verdict is formal and may involve waiting in a designated area until the judge, jury, and all parties are present in the courtroom. For a step-by-step overview of what happens during a court day, including the announcement of the verdict, see our detailed guide.
Stay informed: Court staff are available to answer questions, but it’s useful to understand the general court procedure in advance. This resource covers how verdicts are reached, what happens if the jury cannot agree, and what the verdict means for those involved.
What Happens When the Verdict Is Announced?
When the jury has reached a decision, everyone involved in the case is called back into the courtroom. The judge will confirm that all parties are present before asking the jury foreperson to deliver the verdict. The verdict is read out in open court and recorded. Depending on the outcome, the judge will then explain the next steps – such as sentencing or, in the case of a not guilty verdict, the defendant’s release.
If the jury cannot reach a unanimous or majority decision, the judge may provide further instructions or, in some cases, declare a “hung jury.” This can lead to a retrial or other legal outcomes.
Understanding the Legal Framework
Jury verdicts in the UK are governed by the Jury Act 1974, which sets out the rules for jury conduct and the delivery of verdicts. Issues such as jury misconduct can have significant implications for the outcome of a trial. For more insight into how the law addresses these challenges, see the discussion on the Jury Act 1974.
Reviewing the Trial Process
If you are awaiting a verdict, it can be helpful to look back at the earlier stages of the trial to better understand how the jury reached their decision. Reviewing evidence presented, witness testimonies, and the judge’s instructions to the jury can provide valuable context. Resources on court procedure can help clarify any points of confusion.
Final Advice
- Arrive early and allow time for security and check-in.
- Bring any required documents or identification.
- Stay calm and patient – verdict announcements can sometimes be delayed.
- If you have questions, court staff are there to help.
Preparing for jury verdict day is about being informed and ready for the process. By understanding what to expect and reviewing the relevant stages of the trial, you can approach the day with greater confidence.
