SECTIONS 624-630 - California Statutes

CODE OF CIVIL PROCEDURE

SECTION 624-630

624. The verdict of a jury is either general or special. A general
verdict is that by which they pronounce generally upon all or any of
the issues, either in favor of the plaintiff or defendant; a special
verdict is that by which the jury find the facts only, leaving the
judgment to the Court. The special verdict must present the
conclusions of fact as established by the evidence, and not the
evidence to prove them; and those conclusions of fact must be so
presented as that nothing shall remain to the Court but to draw from
them conclusions of law.

625. In all cases the court may direct the jury to find a special
verdict in writing, upon all, or any of the issues, and in all cases
may instruct them, if they render a general verdict, to find upon
particular questions of fact, to be stated in writing, and may direct
a written finding thereon. In all cases in which the issue of
punitive damages is presented to the jury the court shall direct the
jury to find a special verdict in writing separating punitive damages
from compensatory damages. The special verdict or finding must be
filed with the clerk and entered upon the minutes. Where a special
finding of facts is inconsistent with the general verdict, the former
controls the latter, and the court must give judgment accordingly.

626. When a verdict is found for the plaintiff in an action for the
recovery of money, or for the cross-complainant when a
cross-complaint for the recovery of money is established, the jury
must also find the amount of the recovery.