§ 17-9-2 Jury to judge law and facts and give general verdict

The jury shall be the judges of the law and the facts in the trial of all criminal cases and shall give a general verdict of “guilty” or “not guilty.” Upon a verdict of “guilty,” the sentence shall be imposed by the judge, unless otherwise provided by law. Verdicts are to have a reasonable intendment, are to receive a reasonable construction, and are not to be avoided unless from necessity.