In all cases the court may direct the jury to find a special verdict in writing, upon all, or any of the issues, and in all cases may instruct them, if they render a general verdict, to find upon particular questions of fact, to be stated in writing, and may direct a written finding thereon. In all cases in which the issue of punitive damages is presented to the jury the court shall direct the jury to find a special verdict in writing separating punitive damages from compensatory damages. The special verdict or finding must be filed with the clerk and entered upon the minutes. Where a special finding of facts is inconsistent with the general verdict, the former controls the latter, and the court must give judgment accordingly.
§ 625.Special Verdict Or Finding
Title 8. Of the Trial and Judgment In Civil Actions · Chapter 4. Trial by Jury · Article 3. The Verdict · Last amended 1983 · Last verified July 28, 2026
In one sentenceSection 625 lets the court direct a jury to render a special verdict or, on a general verdict, to also make specific written factual findings, requires punitive damages to be found in a special verdict separate from compensatory damages, and gives a special finding that conflicts with the general verdict controlling effect over it.
Full Text of § 625
Plain-English Summary
This section gives courts real control over how a jury expresses its decision. In any case, the court can direct the jury to render a special verdict in writing on all or any of the issues. Even with an ordinary general verdict, the court can instruct the jury to also find particular questions of fact in writing, and can direct a written finding on those questions.
Punitive damages get special treatment: whenever punitive damages are presented to the jury, the court must direct a special verdict in writing that separates the punitive-damages finding from the compensatory-damages finding. Whatever form the special verdict or finding takes, it must be filed with the clerk and entered on the minutes.
When a special finding of fact conflicts with the jury's general verdict, the special finding wins — it controls over the general verdict, and the court must enter judgment consistent with the special finding rather than the general one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the court require the jury to make specific factual findings alongside a general verdict?
Yes. Section 625 lets the court instruct the jury, when rendering a general verdict, to also find upon particular questions of fact, stated and answered in writing.
Must punitive damages be broken out separately from compensatory damages?
Yes. Whenever a jury considers punitive damages, the court must direct a special verdict in writing separating the punitive award from the compensatory award.
What happens if a special finding conflicts with the general verdict?
The special finding controls, and the court must enter judgment accordingly.
Where do special verdicts and findings get recorded?
They must be filed with the clerk and entered upon the minutes.
Amendment History
Amended by Stats. 1983, Ch. 176, Sec. 2.
Source & verification. Section text is reproduced verbatim from
the Deering's California Codes Annotated / vLex. Enacted by the California Legislature.
Last verified July 28, 2026.
· Official source
Also known as: special verdict punitive damages californiaspecial finding controls general verdict