What is a verdict in a legal proceeding?

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A verdict is the formal decision issued by a court at the end of a trial, determining whether the defendant is guilty in a criminal case or liable in a civil case. This decision is reached after the fact-finding process—the jury (or a judge in a bench trial) weighs the evidence presented and applies the relevant law. It isn’t a summary of what happened, nor is it the remedy or punishment itself; rather, it states the outcome of responsibility. Once a verdict is delivered, the court typically follows with a judgment that specifies the consequences, such as a sentence or the awarding of damages. The other descriptions describe records, remedies, or administrative decisions, which are not the outcome of the trial's determination of responsibility.