Rule 71.01 – Verdict of Jury-General or Special

May 13, 2021 | Civil Procedure, Missouri

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, and includes a verdict wherein the jury returns a finding of the plaintiff’s total damages and assesses percentages of fault. A special verdict is one by which the jury finds the facts only, leaving the judgment to the court.

Mo. R. Civ. P. 71.01

Amended Oct. 16, 1986, eff. July 1, 1987.

Committee Note – 1959

This Rule is the same as Section 106 of the 1943 Code (Section 510.220, RSMo 1959).

Compare: Rule 49, Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.