If the jury persist in finding an informal verdict, from which, however, it can be clearly understood that their intention is to find in favor of the defendant upon the issue, it must be entered in the terms in which it is found, and the Court must give judgment of acquittal. But no judgment of conviction can be given unless the jury expressly find against the defendant upon the issue, or judgment is given against him on a special verdict.
Cal. Penal Code § 1162
The Verdict or Finding
Applied in 1 court decision — leading case 37 Cal. 3d 216 - People v. Avalos (1984)
Most recently applied in 37 Cal. 3d 216 - People v. Avalos (November 1984)
Enacted 1872.
Official source: California Legislative Information. Reproduced from public-domain California statutes; confirm against the official source for the current text. Not legal advice.