How does the jury reach a verdict?

The jury’s answer to the questions posed by the judge is the verdict. The jury weighs the evidence presented at trial to reach a conclusion on the facts. Its findings are typically based on a “preponderance” of the evidence, meaning that it is “more likely than not.” This is a significantly lower standard than the “beyond a reasonable doubt” standard used in criminal trials. Only about one-third of state courts require a unanimous verdict in civil cases.