San Diego California Jury Instruction — Verdict refers to the specific set of instructions given to a jury by the judge at the end of a trial, aiming to guide them in reaching a decision or verdict. These instructions provide the jury with a clear understanding of the law and the specific legal standards they must apply when deliberating on the case. In San Diego, like in other jurisdictions, there are different types of jury instructions related to verdicts that may be given, including: 1. General Verdict Instruction: This instruction guides the jury in reaching a general verdict, which requires them to decide whether the defendant is guilty or not guilty based on the evidence presented during the trial. The jury must collectively reach a unanimous decision. 2. Special Verdict Instruction: In some cases, the judge may provide a special verdict instruction, which asks the jury to answer specific questions or make particular findings of fact relevant to the case they are deliberating. The jury's responses to these questions or findings of facts are crucial in determining the outcome of the trial. 3. Directed Verdict Instruction: This type of instruction may be given by the judge if, at the close of the plaintiff's case or the entire case, there is not enough evidence for a reasonable jury to find in favor of the plaintiff. If the judge grants a directed verdict, it means that the case will not proceed to the jury for deliberation, and judgment may be entered in favor of the defendant. 4. Comparative Negligence Verdict Instruction: In cases involving personal injury or negligence, the judge may provide a comparative negligence verdict instruction. This instruction requires the jury to determine the percentage of fault or negligence attributable to each party involved in the case. The jury's decision will impact the final monetary damages awarded to the plaintiff. 5. Jury Nullification Verdict Instruction: Jury nullification refers to a situation where the jury acquits a defendant despite evidence of guilt, often due to a disagreement with the law or how it is applied in that specific case. The judge may or may not provide explicit instructions on jury nullification, depending on the jurisdiction. Overall, San Diego California Jury Instruction — Verdict encompasses a range of instructions that guide the jury in reaching a decision or verdict in a legal case. These instructions help ensure that the jury understands the law, considers the evidence presented, and applies the legal standards appropriately while deliberating on the case.