§ 589 When special finding inconsistent with general verdict.

Here's a plain English summary of this rule.

Sometimes a jury gives two kinds of answers in a case: a general verdict (their overall decision, like who wins) and special findings (specific answers to particular factual questions). This rule explains what happens when those two things don't match up.

If the jury's specific factual answers contradict their overall verdict, the specific answers win out. The judge must base the final judgment on those detailed findings, even if it means overriding the jury's general decision.

This matters because it means the small details the jury decided can actually change the outcome of the case. If the facts they specifically found point to a different result than their general verdict suggests, the judge has to follow the facts, not the general verdict.