Who has the authority to award a plaintiff in a breach of contract case?

In a breach of contract case, the authority to award a plaintiff is typically vested in the jury, assuming the case is tried in a jury trial setting. A jury is responsible for determining the facts of the case, including whether a breach occurred and, if so, what damages should be awarded to the plaintiff. If the jury finds in favor of the plaintiff, it will quantify the damages that the plaintiff is owed based on the evidence presented.

While judges play a crucial role in overseeing the trial process, ensuring that legal standards are met, and providing instructions to the jury, they do not usually decide the facts of the case themselves in a jury trial. Instead, they rule on matters of law and may enter a judgment based on the jury's findings.

In cases without a jury, called bench trials, judges assume the role of fact-finder and can award damages. However, in a general context regarding who has authority in a jury trial situation, the jury is the correct answer, as it is tasked with considering the evidence and making a determination about the award.

Thus, in a breach of contract scenario, the authority to determine and award damages primarily lies with the jury, making it the correct choice.