A general verdict form asks only who prevails and the damages amount. A special verdict form poses specific questions on liability elements, comparative fault percentages, and damages categories, from which the court enters judgment.
Some courts use a general verdict accompanied by written interrogatories.
Alternative Names:
Jury Verdict Form, Verdict Sheet
Why it Matters?
Verdict form structure meaningfully affects outcomes. Special forms discipline the jury by requiring findings on each element, which can expose an unsupported causation finding and create grounds for judgment as a matter of law. They also itemize damages, which makes excessive components identifiable for remittitur. In insurance cases, itemized findings can determine whether a judgment falls within coverage.
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Frequently asked questions
Why prefer a special verdict form?
What happens if answers are inconsistent?
