Alternative Verdict in United Kingdom

Definition of Alternative Verdict

In accordance with the work A Dictionary of Law, this is a description of Alternative Verdict : A verdict of not guilty of the offence actually charged but guilty of some lesser offence not specifically charged. Such a verdict is only permitted when there is insufficient evidence to establish the more serious offence but the evidence given is sufficient to prove the lesser offence. If, for example, in a murder case there is evidence that the defendant lacked *malice aforethought, an alternative verdict of manslaughter may be returned.