• Jury discusses the case privately to reach a verdict
After receiving instructions from the judge, the jury goes into a private room to begin deliberation. This is when the jurors talk through the evidence, witness testimony, and legal instructions to decide the outcome of the case. No one else is allowed in the room—only the jurors. They can review admitted exhibits, take notes, and request to hear parts of the testimony again, but they cannot consider anything outside of what was presented during the trial.
In civil cases in California, a verdict usually requires agreement by at least three-fourths of the jurors (e.g., 9 out of 12). The jury must answer specific questions on the verdict form, such as whether the defendant is liable and, if so, what damages (money or relief) should be awarded. This step can take hours or days, depending on the complexity of the case.
Once the jury reaches a decision, they notify the court, and everyone reconvenes in the courtroom for the reading of the verdict.
Law Offices of James R. Dickinson – 909-848-8448
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