partial verdict
A partial verdict is when a jury, after some deliberation, returns a verdict only resolving some of the counts or some of the defendants prior to the remaining matters before it. A partial verdict may be reached in both criminal and civil matters.
In federal criminal cases, partial verdicts are permitted under Rule 31(b) of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, which states: “A jury is entitled to report partial verdicts as to less than all defendants and as to less than all counts.” Such verdicts are also permitted in many state jurisdictions, such as New York and California. If the jury cannot reach a verdict on the remaining counts, the defendant may be retried on those charges if a mistrial is declared.
[Last reviewed in August of 2026 by the Wex Definitions Team]
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