Verdict

Literally, a saying or declaration of the truth; in practice, the finding of a jury as to the truth of matters of fact submitted to them for trial. A verdict is either general or special, that is, a finding in a general form on all the facts in issue, or a finding of facts severally, leaving the application of the law to the court So a verdict is either privy or public, that is, a verdict given privily to the judge out of court, the court being adjourned, to be affirmed in open court has adjourned, the jury may in some cases seal up their verdict, separate, and come in and openly declare the same when the court again meets.