Legal Definitions - quotient verdict

A quotient verdict is a type of award given by a jury in a lawsuit. It is calculated by taking the average of the amounts each juror thinks is appropriate to award in damages. This type of verdict is generally considered improper because it is based onspeculation rather than a reasonable consideration of the facts.

For example, in a personal injury case, the jury may be asked to determine how much money the plaintiff should receive for their injuries. If each juror writes down a number, say $10,000, $20,000, $30,000, $40,000, and $50,000, the average of those numbers is $30,000. This would be the quotient verdict.

However, if the jurors agreed in advance to use a quotient verdict, this would be improper. The verdict should be based on the evidence presented in court and a reasonable consideration of the facts.

If a quotient verdict is used and a motion for a new trial is made, the court may overturn the ruling and declare a mistrial.