Legal Definitions - impeachment of verdict

Definition:Impeachment of verdict is when a party challenges a verdict by claiming that a member of the jury acted improperly.

Example: During a trial, one of the jurors was found to have a personal relationship with one of the witnesses. The defendant's lawyer could use this as grounds for impeachment of verdict, arguing that the juror's bias may have influenced the outcome of the trial.

Explanation: This example illustrates how a party can challenge a verdict by alleging that a member of the jury acted improperly. In this case, the juror's personal relationship with a witness could have influenced their decision-making, which would be a violation of their duty to remain impartial. By impeaching the verdict, the defendant's lawyer is seeking to have the verdict overturned and a new trial ordered.