Judgement vs. Verdict — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 25, 2024
Judgement refers to a formal decision made by a court, often encompassing legal reasoning and resolution of all issues, whereas a verdict specifically denotes the decision on factual issues by a jury or judge.
Difference Between Judgement and Verdict
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Judgement is a legal conclusion reached by a judge or court that resolves the legal matters and consequences in a case, incorporating legal reasoning and directives for enforcement. On the other hand, a verdict is a narrower term, typically the decision made by a jury or a judge on the factual questions in a trial, such as guilt or liability.
A judgement often follows a verdict in a jury trial, implementing the jury’s findings into a formal court order that dictates the final outcomes, such as sentencing or damages. Whereas, a verdict does not entail the legal consequences but simply states the decision on the factual aspects of the case.
In non-jury trials, a judge may issue a judgement without a preceding verdict, directly deciding both the facts and the law. On the other hand, in jury trials, the judge relies on the jury’s verdict to form the basis of the final judgement.
Judgements are appealable and can be detailed, covering various aspects of the case beyond the jury’s verdict, such as court costs and legal fees. In contrast, a verdict is typically straightforward, focusing solely on the facts like guilt or no-guilt.
While a judgement formally concludes the legal proceedings and enforces solutions, a verdict merely determines the truth regarding key factual issues without specifying the legal outcomes.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Formal decision by a court, includes legal reasoning and outcomes
Decision by a jury or judge on factual issues
Issued By
Judge or court
Jury or judge
Outcome
Resolves legal issues, enforces solutions
Determines factual issues like guilt or liability
Follow-up
Can be followed by enforcement actions
Usually followed by a judgement
Applicability in Trials
Issued in both jury and non-jury trials
Primarily associated with jury trials
Compare with Definitions
Judgement
A formal decision given by a court after a lawsuit.
The court's judgement included the damages to be paid.
Verdict
The finding of fact by a jury, reviewed by a judge.
The verdict found the company liable for damages.
Judgement
The final decision made by a judge that concludes a legal dispute.
The judgement absolved the defendant of any wrongdoing.
Verdict
A conclusion by a jury regarding the facts of a case.
The jury's verdict acquitted the accused.
Judgement
A resolution of a court that answers all the legal questions of a case.
The judgement clarified the interpretation of the contract.
Verdict
A pronouncement indicating the outcome of the factual aspect of a trial.
The verdict was unanimous in favor of the plaintiff.
Judgement
A legal ruling that might include orders such as payment or injunction.
The judgement compelled the company to change its practices.
Verdict
The outcome of a jury's deliberation in court cases.
The jury's verdict led to the judge's final judgement.
Judgement
The conclusion of a legal matter by a court of law.
The judge's judgement resolved the long-standing dispute.
Verdict
A decision on a disputed issue in a civil or criminal case by a jury or judge.
The jury returned a verdict of guilty.
Judgement
Judgement (or US spelling judgment) is also known as adjudication which means the evaluation of evidence to make a decision. Judgement is also the ability to make considered decisions.
Verdict
In law, a verdict is the formal finding of fact made by a jury on matters or questions submitted to the jury by a judge. In a bench trial, the judge's decision near the end of the trial is simply referred to as a finding.
Judgement
Variant of judgment.
Verdict
(Law) The decision of the jury after the trial of a case.
Judgement
Alternative spelling of judgment.
Verdict
An expressed conclusion; a judgment or opinion
The verdict of history.
Judgement
The legal document stating the reasons for a judicial decision;
Opinions are usually written by a single judge
Verdict
(legal) A decision on an issue of fact in a civil or criminal case or an inquest.
The jury returned a “not guilty” verdict.
Judgement
An opinion formed by judging something;
He was reluctant to make his judgment known
She changed her mind
Verdict
An opinion or judgement.
A “not out” verdict from the umpire
Judgement
The cognitive process of reaching a decision or drawing conclusions
Verdict
The answer of a jury given to the court concerning any matter of fact in any cause, civil or criminal, committed to their examination and determination; the finding or decision of a jury on the matter legally submitted to them in the course of the trial of a cause.
Judgement
Ability to make good judgments
Verdict
Decision; judgment; opinion pronounced; as, to be condemned by the verdict of the public.
These were enormities condemned by the most natural verdict of common humanity.
Two generations have since confirmed the verdict which was pronounced on that night.
Judgement
The capacity to assess situations or circumstances shrewdly and to draw sound conclusions
Verdict
(law) the findings of a jury on issues of fact submitted to it for decision; can be used in formulating a judgment
Judgement
(law) the determination by a court of competent jurisdiction on matters submitted to it
Judgement
The act of judging or assessing a person or situation or event;
They criticized my judgment of the contestants
Common Curiosities
Is a verdict final and enforceable?
No, a verdict is not enforceable by itself; it must be followed by a judgement.
What is a judgement in legal terms?
A judgement is a court's final decision on the legal issues and consequences of a case.
What does a verdict represent?
A verdict represents the jury's decision on the factual questions in a case, such as guilt or liability.
How does a verdict affect a judgement?
A verdict informs the judgement, especially in jury trials, guiding the judge in finalizing the legal outcomes.
Who issues a judgement?
A judgement is issued by a judge or a court.
Can a judgement be issued without a verdict?
Yes, in bench trials where no jury is present, the judge issues a judgement directly.
Who can issue a verdict?
A verdict can be issued by a jury or in some cases, by a judge.
Can a verdict be appealed?
A verdict itself is generally not appealable; however, the subsequent judgement can be.
What is included in a judgement?
A judgement includes decisions on the legal consequences, enforcement actions, and sometimes, legal fees.
What role does a judge play in a verdict?
In jury trials, the judge ensures that the jury’s verdict is legally appropriate before issuing a judgement.
What are the implications of a verdict for the accused in criminal cases?
The verdict determines if the accused is guilty or not, influencing the final judgement on sentencing.
What happens after a verdict is given?
Typically, a judgement is issued based on the verdict, which finalizes the legal proceedings.
What kinds of cases involve verdicts?
Verdicts are involved in both civil and criminal jury trials.
How can a judgement be challenged?
A judgement can be challenged through appeals, usually based on arguments that it didn't appropriately consider the facts or the law.
How does a non-jury trial differ from a jury trial in terms of judgement and verdict?
In a non-jury trial, the judge decides on both the law and the facts, issuing a judgement without a separate verdict.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
