Legal Definitions - majority verdict

A majority verdict is a decision made by a jury in which all but one or two members agree on the outcome. In some places, a civil verdict supported by 10 out of 12 jurors is acceptable. This type of verdict is used in both criminal and civil cases.

For example, in a criminal case, if 11 jurors agree that the defendant is guilty and one juror disagrees, a majority verdict can be reached. In a civil case, if 10 jurors agree on the outcome, a majority verdict can be reached.

Majority verdicts are used to prevent a hung jury, which is when the jury cannot reach a unanimous decision. This can lead to a mistrial and the case may need to be retried.