What does the judge say when the court is over?

Asked by: Luis Padberg  |  Last update: February 6, 2026
Score: 4.3/5 (9 votes)

When court ends, judges typically say "Court is adjourned," "This court is now in recess," or offer a brief thanks, especially to the jury, before formally closing the session; they might thank the jury for their service and time, sometimes adding instructions about discussing the case or waiting to speak about it, depending on the jurisdiction.

What do judges say at the end of a case?

Judge: (After verdict is read) Thank you, Jury, for your service today. Court is adjourned. Any attorney may object to a question asked of a witness on the stand or the admission of an exhibit if s/he feels that it does not follow a rule of evidence.

What do you say at the end of court?

In the Crown Court the judge will explain the relevant law to the jury and summarise the case so your closing speech should highlight the key issues and explain why the jury should decide in your favour. (In some cases you may need to remind the jury of some aspects of the law, otherwise, leave it to the judge).

What is the ending of a court case called?

Jury deliberations and verdict

This is called deliberations. To reach a final decision (a verdict), the jury must all agree that a person is guilty or not guilty of each charge. If they vote not guilty, the person is acquitted and can't be tried again.

What is a judge's final decision called?

If the case is tried by a judge, the judge's decision is called a judgment. If the case is tried by a jury, the jury's decision is called a verdict.

What Do I Say to the Judge in Court?

30 related questions found

How does a judge announce a verdict?

The bailiff will notify the judge, who will call everyone, including the jury, back to the courtroom. The clerk or judge will ask for the jury's verdict and read it out loud.

What are phrases used in court?

Court sayings include formal commands like "Call your next witness" or "Counsel, lay a foundation," legal Latin like mens rea (guilty mind) and habeas corpus (bring the body), and common phrases for lawyers such as "I respectfully submit" or "With due respect, your Honor," all used to maintain decorum and conduct proceedings, covering everything from objections to evidence presentation and final judgments. 

What is a final statement in court?

Closing argument is the lawyer's final opportunity in a trial to tell the judge and/or jury why they should win the case. They do so by explaining how the evidence supports their theory of the case, and by clarifying for the jury any issues that they must resolve in order to render a verdict.

What do you call the final decision?

final judgment. Final judgment is the last decision from a court that resolves all issues in dispute and settles the parties' rights with respect to those issues.

What are the ends of court?

There are four Inns of Court: Gray's Inn, Lincoln's Inn, Inner Temple, and Middle Temple. Combined arms of the four Inns of Court. Clockwise from top left: Lincoln's Inn, Middle Temple, Gray's Inn, Inner Temple.

Do judges have the final say?

Judges provide instructions to juries prior to their deliberations and in the case of bench trials, judges must decide the facts of the case and make a ruling. Additionally, judges are also responsible for sentencing convicted criminal defendants.

What do you say when the court is over?

Often "This Court is in recess." Or "We'll recess the courtroom." Or something like this. Most of the time the judge calls recess and counsel thanks the court. Like the other commenters are saying.

What do judges use to say order?

A gavel is a small ceremonial mallet/hammer commonly made of hardwood, typically fashioned with a handle. It can be used to call for attention or to punctuate rulings and proclamations and is a symbol of the authority and right to act officially in the capacity of a presiding officer.

How does a judge conclude a case?

The judge or jury makes the verdict based on the facts and law of the case. Usually, the judge or jury will summarize their ruling in a verdict report or form. In a criminal case, a verdict determines whether a defendant is guilty or not guilty.

What is a closing statement?

Definition. A closing statement is a document that details the financial aspects of a real estate transaction, including costs, fees, and payment schedules for both buyers and sellers.

Does the judge get the final say?

In federal court, the jury decides the verdict. It's the judge's job to act as referee, ruling on issues of law before and during the trial.

What is a fancy word for final?

Some common synonyms of final are last, terminal, and ultimate.

What is a judge's verdict called?

If the judge tries the case, the judge's decision is called a judgment. If a jury tries the case, the jury's decision is called a verdict. In determining the defendant's guilt or innocence, the judge or jury can consider only the testimony of witnesses and any evidence admitted during the trial.

What is a word that means final result?

synonyms: outcome, result, resultant, termination.

What do judges say to close a case?

To avoid impropriety, a brief and accurate statement of thanks is all it takes for the judge and court staff. Acknowledging the jury's attention is fine for shorter trials, a couple of sentences regarding their commitment and sacrifice may be appropriate for longer ones.

What do they say at the end of court?

Each side gives a closing statement at the conclusion of the trial, after all evidence has been given. Each lawyer will give a summary of the evidence the judge heard on the key issues, and offer their opinion on the reasons the judge has to find in their favour.

What is the legal term for closing a case?

DISMISSED WITHOUT PREJUDICE: A dismissal (case closed) that does not bar the plaintiff from refiling the lawsuit. DISMISSED WITH PREJUDICE: A dismissal (case closed) barring the plaintiff from filing any later lawsuit on the same claim. DISPOSITION: The final order of the court on your criminal case.

What does the judge sentence?

If a defendant pleads guilty or no contest, or a jury finds them guilty, then the judge decides what penalties or punishments they face. This is called sentencing. A judge will address victim compensation, called restitution.

What is the word for judges decision?

Judgment: A court decision. Also called a decree or an order. Judgment File: A permanent court record of the court's final disposition of the case.

What do judges say when someone is not guilty?

Acquittal: Judgment that a criminal defendant has not been proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. In other words, a verdict of "not guilty." Arraignment: A proceeding in which an individual who is accused of committing a crime is brought into court, told of the charges, and asked to plead guilty or not guilty.