Some opponents of smoking, however, said the verdict could prove to be an important psychological boost for potential litigants.

Mr. Maddox said the verdict proved his allegations had been true.

But Mrs. Manning said the verdict "proves that Rich did the right thing."

Put aside whether the jury's verdict proves that the nation's tort system resembles a lottery.

Although both men were acquitted of the rape at trial in May 2011, the jury's verdict proved highly controversial and drew large protests.

The verdict of the musicians proved decisive.

Today, he said the verdict proved France to be a "strong democracy."

The scholar was no gifted orator, but the verdict proved satisfying to the monastic throng.

This verdict proves that the police can do their job.

Critics said the verdict proved that civilian courts could not be trusted to handle the prosecution of Al Qaeda terrorists.