In my court, the judge (me) "publishes" an opinion while the jury "reaches" and then "returns" a verdict

Does your "opinion" always agree with the jury's "verdict", Father Steve?

If it does, are you really a "judge"?

And, if it doesn't, is the jury's decision really a "verdict"?

I'm not trying to be animositous, Father Steve. I'm just trying to get the lay of the juridical landscape.