When a verdict is found for the plaintiff in an action for the recovery of money, or for the cross-complainant when a cross-complaint for the recovery of money is established, the jury must also find the amount of the recovery.
§ 626.Action For Recovery of Money
Title 8. Of the Trial and Judgment In Civil Actions · Chapter 4. Trial by Jury · Article 3. The Verdict · Last amended 1971 · Last verified July 28, 2026
In one sentenceSection 626 requires a jury that finds a verdict for the plaintiff in an action to recover money, or for a cross-complainant on a money-recovery cross-complaint, to also find the specific amount of the recovery.
Full Text of § 626
Plain-English Summary
A bare finding for the plaintiff isn't enough in a money case. When the jury decides in favor of the plaintiff in an action for the recovery of money, § 626 requires them to also state the amount being recovered. The same rule applies when a cross-complainant establishes a cross-complaint seeking money — the jury must find the amount there too.
This pairs with § 624's distinction between general and special verdicts: whichever form the verdict takes, a money judgment can't be entered without a specific dollar figure the jury itself determined.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a jury verdict for the plaintiff have to state a dollar amount?
Yes, in an action for the recovery of money, § 626 requires the jury to find the amount of the recovery along with the verdict for the plaintiff.
Does this rule apply to cross-complaints too?
Yes. When a cross-complainant establishes a cross-complaint for the recovery of money, the jury must likewise find the amount.
What's the point of this requirement?
It ensures the court has a specific, jury-determined figure to enter as the money judgment, rather than a bare finding of liability.
Amendment History
Amended by Stats. 1971, Ch. 244.
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: jury verdict amount of recovery californiamoney judgment jury finding