The word "verdict guilty" is commonly used in legal settings to signify a decision of culpability. It is spelled using the IPA phonetic transcription as /ˈvɜːrdɪkt ˈɡɪlti/. This means that the first syllable is pronounced with a long "er" sound followed by a short "i" sound. The second syllable is pronounced with a hard "g" sound and a short "i" sound. The spelling of this word is important to ensure that it is correctly understood and communicated in a courtroom setting.
The dictionary definition of "verdict guilty" refers to the formal declaration rendered by a court of law or a jury after considering all the evidence and arguments presented during a trial, stating that the defendant is found guilty of the crime or offenses they have been accused of.
A verdict of guilty signifies that the court or jury has found the defendant to be responsible for committing the criminal act beyond a reasonable doubt, as required by the legal standards of the jurisdiction. This decision implies that the accused has been proven to have violated the law and is legally accountable for their actions.
The process leading to a "verdict guilty" typically involves presenting evidence, hearing testimony from witnesses, cross-examinations, and arguments from both the prosecution and defense sides. The jury or judge carefully evaluates all the presented evidence and weighs it against the legal standards, such as the burden of proof required to establish guilt.
Once the verdict guilty is reached, the court then moves on to sentencing, which involves determining the appropriate punishment or penalty for the convicted defendant. The severity of the punishment will depend on various factors, including the nature and gravity of the offense, previous criminal history, and any mitigating or aggravating circumstances presented during the trial.
It is crucial to note that a "verdict guilty" represents a legal decision during a trial and is subject to the appeals process, which allows convicted individuals to challenge the decision in higher courts.
The word "verdict" comes from the Latin word "veredictum", which is derived from the combination of "verus" meaning "true" and "dictum" meaning "saying" or "declaration". It originally referred to a saying or judgment declared by a jury concerning a legal case.
Similarly, the word "guilty" originates from the Old English word "gyltig", which means "culpable" or "blameworthy". It is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "gulþan", which means "to pay for or to expiate". Over time, "guilty" has come to specifically denote a legal finding of guilt or responsibility for a crime.