Civil Procedure Multistate Bar Practice Exam

When does the clerk of court enter a judgment in the case of a general verdict?

1. When the jury is dismissed

2. After the judge approves the verdict

3. Upon return of a general verdict

4. Only after hearing from both parties

The correct answer is: Upon return of a general verdict

The clerk of court enters a judgment upon the return of a general verdict by the jury. A general verdict typically includes a decision that the jury reaches after deliberation on the presented evidence and law, and their conclusion is expressed in a straightforward manner, as either in favor of the plaintiff or defendant. Once the jury has reached this decision and formally returns their verdict to the courtroom, the clerk is authorized to enter a judgment based on that verdict. This process signifies the completion of the jury’s role in resolving the factual issues of the case and initiates the court’s final judgment on the matter. Factors like the dismissal of the jury, approval of the verdict by the judge, or hearing from both parties may occur in the course of the trial or following deliberations, but they do not lead to the immediate entry of a judgment. The entry happens specifically at the moment of returning the general verdict, making that the pivotal event for judgment entry.