Sentenza vs. verdetto
The Italian words 'sentenza' and 'verdetto' both relate to legal decisions, but they have distinct uses and connotations in the Italian legal system.
Sentenza
'Sentenza' refers to the final judgment or decision made by a judge or court, including the reasoning and legal basis for the decision.
La sentenza della Corte Suprema ha stabilito un importante precedente legale.
(The Supreme Court's ruling established an important legal precedent.)
L'avvocato ha letto ad alta voce la sentenza di assoluzione.
(The lawyer read the acquittal judgment aloud.)
Verdetto
'Verdetto' specifically refers to the decision of guilt or innocence made by a jury in a criminal trial, or a similar yes/no decision in other contexts.
La giuria ha emesso un verdetto di colpevolezza dopo tre giorni di deliberazione.
(The jury delivered a guilty verdict after three days of deliberation.)
Il verdetto del pubblico decreterà il vincitore del concorso canoro.
(The public's verdict will determine the winner of the singing contest.)
Summary
While 'sentenza' is a broader term referring to a judge's or court's final decision with legal reasoning, 'verdetto' is more specific, typically used for jury decisions or simple yes/no outcomes. 'Sentenza' is used in various legal contexts, whereas 'verdetto' is mainly associated with criminal trials or public decisions.