Which term describes a verdict in which the judge or jury finds in favor of the plaintiff or defendant without detailed findings?

• A. Grand Jury
• B. Guardian ad litem
• C. General verdict
• D. Ex parte

Answer: (C)

A general verdict describes a decision where the judge or jury resolves the case in favor of one side without detailing any findings of fact or law. In a general verdict, the verdict simply states who wins and, if applicable, the amount of damages, without explaining how the court or jury arrived at that result. This contrasts with a special verdict, where the decision depends on answering specific factual questions; those findings guide the judge in applying the law to reach the final result.

Other terms aren’t about how a verdict is rendered: a grand jury determines whether there is enough evidence to indict in criminal cases, not civil liability; a guardian ad litem is someone appointed to represent a party who cannot represent themselves; and ex parte refers to a proceeding or communication conducted with only one party present, not a type of verdict.