guilty verdict

You usually use this phrase with verbs like reach, deliver, or return. You might say, "The jury reached a guilty verdict after three days." It functions as a noun phrase. You can also use it metaphorically. If your friends decide you ate the last cookie, they might jokingly announce a guilty verdict against you. Just don't expect a prison sentence for cookie theft!

Use this when discussing news, true crime podcasts, or legal shows. It is perfect for serious conversations about justice. You will hear it in news reports about famous trials. You can also use it in a professional setting if you work in law or journalism. It is the standard way to describe a conviction.

Avoid using this for small, personal mistakes that aren't "crimes." If you forgot to call your mom, don't say you received a guilty verdict. That sounds way too intense. Use guilty conscience instead. Also, do not use it if the trial is still happening. Until the jury speaks, there is no verdict at all.

In Western cultures, especially the US and UK, the guilty verdict is a huge TV trope. Think of shows like *Law & Order*. The dramatic pause before the clerk reads the paper is a classic cultural moment. It represents the climax of the justice system. It is often seen as a moment of "closure" for victims.

You will often hear guilty on all counts. This means the person was found guilty of every single charge. Another variation is a directed verdict, where the judge decides the outcome. Sometimes people just say "the verdict was guilty." In casual chat, you might hear someone say "the jury slammed him," but guilty verdict remains the most accurate term.