in a criminal trial in california, the verdict is decided by

a. a petit jury
b. the board of supervisors
c. a three-judge panel

a

http://www.lectlaw.com/def2/p039.htm

In a criminal trial in California, the verdict is generally decided by option "a", which is a petit jury.

Now, let me explain how you can determine this answer yourself. When it comes to understanding legal matters, it's important to consult reliable and authoritative sources, such as official legal documents or reputable legal websites. These sources can provide accurate and up-to-date information on the laws and procedures in a specific jurisdiction, in this case, California.

Here are a few steps you can take to find the answer:

1. Start by searching for official legal documents or websites related to the criminal trial process in California. You can try searching for the California Code of Criminal Procedure or the California Courts website.

2. Once you find the relevant source, look for information specifically about the verdict process in a criminal trial. This information might be found in sections related to juries, trials, or criminal procedure.

3. Read through the applicable sections carefully. Look for any information that explicitly states who is responsible for deciding the verdict in a criminal trial.

By following these steps, you should be able to find accurate information about how the verdict is decided in a criminal trial in California.