Time and Form of Verdict

When the jurors have agreed upon a verdict they shall be returned to the courtroom by the bailiff(s). The court shall ask the foreperson or the jury panel whether an agreement has been reached on a verdict. If the foreperson or the jury panel answers in the affirmative, the judge shall call upon the foreperson or any member of the panel to deliver the verdict, in writing, to the clerk or the court. The verdict of the jury shall be unanimous, but need not be signed. The court shall examine the verdict and, if found to be in proper order, the clerk or the court then shall read the verdict in open court in the presence of the jury. If neither party nor the court desires to poll the jury, or when a poll of the jury reveals the verdict is unanimous, and if the verdict is in the form required by Rule 24.3, the court shall order the verdict filed and entered of record. The court then shall discharge the jurors, unless a bifurcated hearing is necessary. Comment