One of the original set of Avalon Hill "Adult Games" which include Gettysburg, Tactics II, U-Boat & Dispatcher.
Verdict is an authentic all-skill game in which two or more players conduct a criminal court trial based upon the rules of evidence. One player takes the part of the prosecutor and the other player the part of the defense counsel. There are 15 separate criminal cases in the Verdict Case Book, each of which is a complete game in itself.
Roberts' co-designers, Nissen & Thiem, were two attornies.
Original Game Contents:
game board
16-page case book
2 Verdict Instruction Sheets
2 Rules of Evidence Sheets
1 Verdict Solution Wheel
7 plastic pawns (1 red, 6 blue)
2 parts trays.
Summary of Play
1. Prosecutor selects case.
2. Prosecutor offers physical facts. Prosecutor solution wheel is consulted if defense objects.
3. Prosecutor examines witness.
4. If Prosecutor pawn lands on cross examination space Defense has option to cross examine.
5. Prosecutor may continue examination.
6. Defense Counsel examines one of his witnesses. If Prosecutor objects, Defense Counsel's Solution Wheel is consulted.
7. If Defense pawn lands on cross examintion space Prosecutor has option to cross examine.
8. Defense may continue examination.
9. Prosecutor and Defense alternate examining witnesses.
10. As soon as one lawyer has 3 pawns in the jury box a surprise witness card is revealed.
11. First lawyer to get 4 pawns in the jury box wins. If neither does a retrial is necessary.