Miss. R. Crim. P. 24.3

As amended through October 22, 2024
Rule 24.3 - Necessity for Forms of Verdict

Forms of verdicts shall be contained in the jury instructions for each offense charged and, where warranted by the evidence, the trial judge may instruct for any or all lesser-included or attempt offenses as provided in Rule 24.2(d). The defendant may not be found guilty of any offense for which no form of verdict has been submitted to the jury. If the verdict returned is not fully responsive, the court shall direct the jury to retire for further deliberations. The court may correct or complete the verdict, as to form only, in open court in the presence of the parties and the jury.

Miss. R. Crim. P. 24.3

Adopted eff. 7/1/2017.

Comment

Rule 24.3 permits the jury to find the defendant guilty of the offense charged, an offense necessarily included in each offense charged, or an attempt to commit the offense charged or an offense necessarily included therein, if the attempt is an offense. The Rule places on the court the responsibility of deciding what verdicts the jury may return, restricting the jury to returning verdicts for which verdict forms have been submitted to it.