Verdict

Description

A verdict is a document which formalizes the outcome of a court case. In the modern day, a verdict form contains the jury’s findings, though juries did not become commonplace in felony trials until the 13th century. These documents briefly summarize the case before stating its outcome and any action to be taken because of that outcome. This action can range from a small fine to a capital sentence.
Some verdict documents contain records of arbitration, in which a theoretically neutral third party renders a binding decision. Arbitration was a practice encouraged among the clergy from the late 12th century as well as being widely practiced among lay people in the late Middle Ages.
Additionally, some verdict documents are exemplified copies, or an officially attested copy or transcript of an original verdict document. In order to be considered exemplified, the copy must be made by the authority either holding or issuing the record being copied.