Terms Used In Missouri Laws 510.220

  • Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
  • Plaintiff: The person who files the complaint in a civil lawsuit.
  • Verdict: The decision of a petit jury or a judge.

The verdict of a jury is either general or special. A general verdict is one by which the jury pronounces generally upon all or any of the issues, either in favor of the plaintiff or defendant. A special verdict is one by which the jury finds the facts only, leaving the judgment to the court.