California · Penal Code

PEN §1126: In a trial for any offense, questions of law are to be decided by the court, and questions of fact by the jury.

Civil

What this law says, in plain English

This statute establishes trial procedure: courts decide legal questions, juries decide factual questions. Juries may return a general verdict but must follow the court's instructions on law.

Read the full statutory text

In a trial for any offense, questions of law are to be decided by the court, and questions of fact by the jury. Although the jury has the power to find a general verdict, which includes questions of law as well as of fact, they are bound, nevertheless, to receive as law what is laid down as such by the court.

Verify at the official source: California legislative text

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This page is legal information, not legal advice. Code text is sourced from official publications and may lag amendments — always confirm at the official source linked above. Plain-English summaries and relationship data are AI-derived and reviewed on an ongoing basis; verify with a licensed attorney before acting.