Latin for Lawyers

VERBATIM

VERBATIM [L. verbum / word] Using or following the exact words. A word-for-word rendition or transcip tion of something spoken. A verbatim transcript is a word-for-word record of testimony by a witness. VERDICT [ verus / true, real + dico , dicere , dictum / to say, speak] The decision of a jury after the close of testimony and deliberations. The decision of a jury as to the facts and testimony presented to it. In criminal cases, a verdict of guilty must be unanimous. A general verdict is the usual verdict of a jury announcing its decision for or against the plaintiff. A special verdict is a verdict in which the jury announces its findings on the factual issues presented by the testimony and leaves to the court the application of law to the facts and the final determination of liability between the parties. A directed verdict is a verdict ordered by the judge as a matter of law after the close of testimony. A compromise verdict is an improper verdict in which the jurors have reached a decision not through the process of discussion and per suasion but through non-deliberative devices such as the averaging of dam ages; a quotient verdict is a kind of compromise verdict. See QUOTIENT VERDICT VERDICT OF NON LICET A statement or declaration by the jury that it is unable to reach a verdict because of some doubt as to the facts and asking for more time to deliberate. VEREDICTO NON OBSTANTE Judgment notwithstanding the verdict. See J.N.O.V. VERIFY, VERIFICATION [L. verus / true, real, genuine] To examine the truth or accuracy of a statement or fact. To establish the truth or accuracy of. To confirm by oath or restatement. A verification is a sworn statement confirming the truth and accuracy of matters contained in an instru ment or document. The verification is a statement under oath at the end of a pleading or other submission in which a party affirms that the facts contained in the document are true of his own knowledge or to the best of his knowl edge and belief. VERITAS [L. verus ] The truth. VERITAS NIHIL VERITUR NISI ABSCONDI The truth drives out all things concealed.

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