Entertainment
Do Johnny Depp and Amber Heard have to be in court when the trial verdict is read?-Elizabeth Atkin-Entertainment – Metro
The trial ended on May 27.
Johnny Depp leaving the courthouse in Fairfax County, Virginia (Picture: Drew Angerer/Getty Images)
The $100 million (£80m) defamation trial between actors Johnny Depp, 58, and Amber Heard, 36, ended on May 27.
A seven-person jury is now deliberating the verdict – with a reported 37 pages of jury instructions to carefully consider. We don’t yet know when a verdict might be reached.
However, as this is a US civil case (not a criminal one) – we do know that the jury will either find for the plaintiff (Depp), for the defendant (Heard), or be unable to reach a decision unanimously (hung jury).
There will not be a ‘guilty’ or ‘not guilty’, but in most cases, a type of monetary compensation – called ‘damages’ – will be decided upon and awarded to the victorious party.
But do Depp and Heard themselves need to be in courtroom to hear whatever is decided?
Here’s what we know.
Do Johnny Depp and Amber Heard have to be in court for the trial verdict?
Will Amber or ex-husband Johnny be required to return to court? (Picture: Drew Angerer/Getty Images)
At the end of May, Depp was spotted performing on stage in the UK.
The Pirates of the Caribbean actor surprised fans of the guitarist Jeff Beck by appearing on stage at his recent Sheffield concert, and later at the Royal Albert Hall in London.
Naturally, this trip across the pond has left many wondering if he is due back in court in Fairfax County, Virginia, for the verdict – which could arrive at any time in the coming days or weeks.
Rumours have suggested that exes Depp and Heard will not face each other in court again.
But it does not appear that either party (nor their legal teams) has commented on possible attendance, at the time of writing. For now, we’ll have to wait and see what happens.
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web
browser that
supports HTML5
video
Legal representatives will surely be present to hear the jury’s decision – as the American Bar Association (ABA) explains it would be possible for either party to ask for the jury to be polled (asked individually if they agree with the verdict) after giving it.
The ABA adds that once the verdict has been accepted by the court, the jury are dismissed.
In some cases, a separate hearing may be required to determine how much in terms of damages should be paid – though in others it can be dealt with at the same time as the verdict.
Post-trial, any party unhappy with the verdict can attempt to appeal.
MORE : Think twice before you comment on Amber Heard’s clothes
Follow Metro across our social channels, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
Share your views in the comments below
Entertainment – MetroRead More
