Article II. Civil Practice · Part 11. Trial · Last amended 2019 · Last verified July 20, 2026
In one sentenceHas the jury render a general verdict unless the case calls for something else, lets any party request special interrogatories on specific fact questions, and tells the court what to do if the special finding and general verdict conflict.
Full Text of 735 ILCS 5/2-1108
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Unless the nature of the case requires otherwise, the jury shall render a general verdict. Within the discretion of the court, the jury may be asked to find specially upon any material question or questions of fact submitted to the jury in writing. Any party may request special interrogatories. Special interrogatories shall be tendered, objected to, ruled upon and submitted to the jury as in the case of instructions. Submitting or refusing to submit a question of fact to the jury may be reviewed on appeal to determine whether the trial court abused its discretion. When any special finding of fact is inconsistent with the general verdict, the court shall direct the jury to further consider its answers and verdict. If, in the discretion of the trial court, the jury is unable to render a general verdict consistent with any special finding, the trial court shall order a new trial. During closing arguments, the parties shall be allowed to explain to the jury what may result if the general verdict is inconsistent with any special finding.
This amendatory Act of the 101st General Assembly applies only to trials commencing on or after January 1, 2020.
Plain-English Summary
Unless the nature of the case requires otherwise, the jury renders a general verdict. Within the court's discretion, the jury may also be asked to find specially on any material fact question, submitted in writing, and any party may request special interrogatories. Those interrogatories go through the same tender, objection, and ruling process as jury instructions, and a trial court's choice to submit or refuse a special question can be reviewed on appeal for abuse of discretion.
If a special finding conflicts with the general verdict, the court must direct the jury to reconsider both its answers and its verdict. If the jury still cannot produce a consistent verdict, the trial court must order a new trial.
A 2019 amendment, applying to trials commencing on or after January 1, 2020, added the rule that parties may explain to the jury during closing arguments what results if the general verdict conflicts with a special finding -- giving the jury context for those questions before it retires, instead of leaving the consequence as an unexplained procedural rule.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of verdict does a jury normally render?
A general verdict, unless the nature of the case requires otherwise.
Can a party request the jury answer a specific factual question?
Yes. Any party may request special interrogatories, submitted at the court's discretion.
What happens if a special finding conflicts with the general verdict?
The court must direct the jury to reconsider its answers and its verdict.
What if the jury still can't reconcile them?
The trial court must order a new trial.
Can attorneys tell the jury what an inconsistent verdict would mean during closing argument?
Yes, for trials commencing on or after January 1, 2020, parties may explain that consequence during closing arguments.
Amendment History
(Source: P.A. 101-184, eff. 8-2-19.)
Source & verification. Section text and amendment history are
reproduced verbatim from the Illinois Compiled Statutes, published by the
Illinois Compiled Statutes, Illinois General Assembly / Legislative Reference Bureau. Last verified July 20, 2026.
· Official source
Also known as:special interrogatories illinois jurygeneral verdict illinois civil trialinconsistent verdict illinois new trial