Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 59

Definition

Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 59 governs the process of filing motions for a new trial and altering or amending judgments in federal courts. This rule provides a mechanism for parties to challenge the outcomes of trials, allowing for corrections in the case of errors, newly discovered evidence, or other substantial issues that may have affected the verdict.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Rule 59 allows for motions to be filed within 28 days after the entry of judgment, providing a specific timeframe for parties to act if they believe there are grounds for a new trial or amendment.
2. Grounds for a new trial can include jury misconduct, errors in admitting evidence, or verdicts that are against the weight of the evidence presented.
3. Parties can also seek to amend judgments under Rule 59, which includes altering the amount awarded or correcting clerical errors.
4. A motion for a new trial under Rule 59 is typically decided by the judge who presided over the trial, ensuring consistency in judicial decision-making.
5. Unlike an appeal, which takes place in an appellate court, Rule 59 motions are handled at the trial level and aim to resolve issues before any higher court involvement.

Review Questions

• What are the key grounds under which a party might file a motion for a new trial according to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 59?
  • Key grounds for filing a motion for a new trial include instances of jury misconduct, legal errors during the trial, and situations where the verdict is deemed contrary to the weight of evidence. These grounds aim to address significant issues that could impact the fairness and integrity of the trial's outcome, ensuring that justice is served.
• Discuss how Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 59 interacts with appeals and what distinct functions each serves in the judicial process.
  • Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 59 serves as a mechanism for parties to seek corrections directly at the trial level through motions for new trials or amendments to judgments. This differs from appeals, which are conducted in appellate courts and focus on reviewing legal errors rather than trial processes. The two processes complement each other: Rule 59 allows for immediate rectification before appeal, while appeals address broader legal interpretations after final judgments.
• Evaluate how Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 59 influences judicial efficiency and fairness in civil litigation.
  • Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 59 enhances judicial efficiency by providing a clear avenue for addressing errors or issues that arise immediately following a trial. By allowing parties to request new trials or amend judgments within a specific timeframe, it encourages resolution at an earlier stage, reducing potential burdens on appellate courts. Furthermore, this rule promotes fairness by ensuring that significant errors can be corrected without having to resort solely to the appellate process, thereby upholding the integrity of judicial outcomes.

Related terms

Motion for New Trial: A request made to a court to invalidate a jury's verdict and conduct a new trial, typically based on claims of legal error or significant evidence that could change the outcome.

Judgment: A formal decision made by a court regarding the rights and liabilities of parties in a legal action, which can be modified under certain conditions as outlined in Rule 59.

Remittitur: A legal process by which a judge reduces the amount of damages awarded by a jury, which can be part of the relief sought under Rule 59.