What are the possible verdicts a jury can render in a criminal case?

In a criminal case, the jury has the responsibility to assess the evidence and determine the defendant's culpability. The three possible verdicts a jury can render include guilty, not guilty, and not criminally responsible.

The guilty verdict indicates that the jury believes the prosecution has proven the charges beyond a reasonable doubt. A not guilty verdict means that the jury does not find sufficient evidence to convict the defendant, thereby reaffirming the principle of "innocent until proven guilty."

The third verdict, not criminally responsible, applies in circumstances where the defendant is deemed incapable of understanding the nature of their act due to mental illness or impairment at the time of the offense. This verdict is critical as it acknowledges that some defendants lack the mental capacity to be held criminally responsible for their actions, distinguishing their situation from those who are found guilty or not guilty.

The other options do not encompass the complete spectrum of possible jury verdicts. For instance, while a mistrial may occur, it does not constitute a verdict on the case itself and is instead a declaration that the trial was inconclusive. Similarly, appeals are a matter for appellate courts and do not reflect a jury's direct determination regarding the defendant's guilt or responsibility in the original trial. Thus,