Hawaii Competence — Form of Verdict refers to the specific requirements and procedure for rendering a verdict in the state of Hawaii. It determines the level of competence and understanding needed by a jury or judge to make a legally valid judgment in a court case. In Hawaii, there are several forms of verdict, each with its own distinct purpose and application. These include: 1. General Verdict: A general verdict is the most common type in which the jury examines all the evidence presented in a case and renders a single verdict, either for the plaintiff or the defendant. It signifies a complete determination on all issues involved. 2. Special Verdict: Unlike a general verdict, a special verdict requires the jury to answer specific questions or issues presented by the court. The judge provides the jury with a set of questions that they must answer based on the evidence presented. This type of verdict allows for a more detailed and precise determination of liability or damages. 3. General Verdict with Interrogatories: This form of verdict combines elements of both general and special verdicts. The jury is asked to render a general verdict but is also provided with specific interrogatories or questions related to particular issues in the case. Jurors must answer these questions alongside their general verdict to provide more clarity on the basis of their decision. 4. Directed Verdict: Occasionally, a judge may grant a directed verdict if they find that the evidence presented by one side is so overwhelmingly in their favor that no reasonable jury could reach a verdict to the contrary. In such cases, the judge essentially decides the outcome of the trial without involving the jury. 5. Verdict by Judge: In some instances, known as a bench trial, the judge alone determines the outcome of the case without a jury. This often occurs when both parties agree to waive a jury trial or when the case involves sensitive or technical matters that may be better evaluated by a judge. In summary, Hawaii Competence — Form of Verdict specifies the types of verdicts applicable within the state and the competence required by the jury or judge to render a valid decision. The various types of verdicts, including general verdicts, special verdicts, general verdicts with interrogatories, directed verdicts, and verdicts by a judge, offer different approaches to reaching a legal resolution in Hawaii's court system.