COMPROMISE VERDICT Meaning and
Definition
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A compromise verdict is a legal term that refers to a decision reached by a jury in a trial when they are unable to unanimously agree on a verdict. In such cases, the jury may opt for a compromise verdict as a means to resolve the deadlock and come to a conclusion. This type of verdict is typically reached by compromising on certain elements of the case or on the charges presented.
A compromise verdict is distinct from a unanimous verdict, which is the preferred outcome in a trial. In a unanimous verdict, all members of the jury must agree on the guilt or innocence of the accused or on the liability in a civil matter. However, when jurors are unable to unanimously agree, a compromise verdict becomes an alternative.
In a compromise verdict, the jurors may agree to convict or acquit the defendant on some charges, while disagreeing on others. Alternatively, they may agree to a lesser charge or degree of guilt than what was originally alleged. The reasons behind reaching a compromise verdict can vary, ranging from a desire to avoid a hung jury and mistrial to a perceived lack of evidence or uncertainty about the case's outcome.
It is important to note that while compromise verdicts are sometimes necessary to resolve a deadlock, they can also be controversial. Critics argue that they can compromise the integrity of the trial process and dilute the principle of unanimity, as jurors may reach a decision without a full and thorough examination of the evidence.
Common Misspellings for COMPROMISE VERDICT
- xompromise verdict
- vompromise verdict
- fompromise verdict
- dompromise verdict
- cimpromise verdict
- ckmpromise verdict
- clmpromise verdict
- cpmpromise verdict
- c0mpromise verdict
- c9mpromise verdict
- conpromise verdict
- cokpromise verdict
- cojpromise verdict
- comoromise verdict
- comlromise verdict
- com-romise verdict
- com0romise verdict
- compeomise verdict
- compdomise verdict
Etymology of COMPROMISE VERDICT
The word "compromise" originated from the Middle French word "compromis", which came from the Latin word "compromissum". "Compromissum" is a combination of the prefix "com-" meaning "together" or "with", and "promissum", the past participle of "promittere", which means "to promise". Thus, the word "compromise" originally meant "a mutual promise" or "an agreement".
The term "verdict" has a Latin origin as well, derived from the word "veredictum". It is a combination of "vere", meaning "truly", and "dictum", which translates to "said" or "spoken". The term evolved to refer to the formal announcement of a judgment or decision made by a court or jury.
