Maryland Competence — Form of Verdict is a legal concept referring to the requirement for a jury to make a unanimous decision in criminal cases. In Maryland, when a case is presented to a jury, they are entrusted with the responsibility of reviewing the evidence and determining the guilt or innocence of the defendant. Maryland's law requires that the verdict reached by the jury must be unanimous, meaning that all members of the jury must agree on the same outcome. In Maryland, there are two types of Competence — Form of Verdict. The first type is the guilty verdict, where the jury finds the defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. This verdict indicates that the jury members have reviewed the evidence and are convinced of the defendant's guilt. The second type is the not guilty verdict, where the jury determines that the evidence presented does not prove the defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. This verdict indicates that the jury members have concluded that the evidence is insufficient to establish the defendant's guilt. It is crucial to note that the Competence — Form of Verdict requirement plays a vital role in ensuring a fair and just legal system in Maryland. By requiring a unanimous decision, this legal provision guarantees that all jurors thoroughly evaluate the evidence and engage in thoughtful deliberation before reaching a verdict. This ensures that the outcome of the trial accurately reflects the collective judgment of the jury regarding the defendant's guilt or innocence. The Competence — Form of Verdict requirement is an essential component of Maryland's criminal justice system that safeguards the rights of defendants and upholds the principles of fairness and justice. It fosters confidence in the legal system by ensuring that the decision reached by the jury is the result of careful examination and agreement among all members.