What is the definition of a verdict in a legal context?

In a legal context, a verdict refers specifically to the decision rendered by a judge or a jury at the conclusion of a trial. This judgment determines the outcome of the case, such as whether the defendant is guilty or not guilty in a criminal trial, or who is liable in a civil trial. The verdict represents the final resolution of the legal issues presented during the trial and is crucial because it signifies the end of the legal proceedings concerning that particular matter.

Other options pertain to different legal aspects: a plea agreement involves negotiations and concessions made between the prosecution and defense before a trial; an opening statement sets the stage for the arguments that will follow in a trial but is not a decision; and an indictment is a formal charge or accusation of a serious crime, issued by a grand jury or law enforcement but does not reflect a verdict. Understanding the role and definition of a verdict is fundamental to grasping how the judicial process operates.