Motion for directed verdict

Definition

A motion for directed verdict is a request made by a party during a trial, asking the judge to rule that the opposing party has not produced sufficient evidence to support their claim or defense. This motion is typically made after the opposing party has presented its case, and it aims to conclude the case in favor of the moving party without the need for further deliberation by the jury. It serves as a mechanism to ensure that only cases with adequate evidence proceed to jury consideration.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. A motion for directed verdict is often made at the close of the opposing party's case and before the jury deliberates.
2. If the motion is granted, the judge effectively removes the case from the jury's consideration, resulting in a judgment in favor of the moving party.
3. This motion can only be granted if there is a lack of legally sufficient evidence for the jury to reasonably find in favor of the non-moving party.
4. The standard for granting a motion for directed verdict is very high; courts generally view evidence in the light most favorable to the non-moving party.
5. A denial of this motion allows the case to go forward to jury deliberation, where jurors will weigh all evidence presented before making their decision.

Review Questions

• Explain how a motion for directed verdict operates within the trial process and what its purpose is.
  • A motion for directed verdict operates as a tool for parties to seek a ruling from the judge regarding the sufficiency of evidence presented by the opposing side. The purpose is to avoid unnecessary jury deliberation when there is no credible evidence to support the claims or defenses raised. By evaluating whether any reasonable jury could find in favor of the non-moving party, this motion helps streamline trial proceedings and ensures that only cases with adequate evidence reach the jury.
• Discuss the relationship between a motion for directed verdict and the burden of proof required in civil cases.
  • The relationship between a motion for directed verdict and the burden of proof is crucial in civil cases, where one party must establish its claims by a preponderance of evidence. When evaluating a directed verdict motion, the judge assesses whether the party with this burden has met its obligation by providing sufficient evidence. If it’s determined that no reasonable jury could find in favor of that party based on their evidence, then the motion may be granted, effectively concluding that party's claims without further jury involvement.
• Analyze how courts determine whether to grant a motion for directed verdict and how this decision impacts trial outcomes.
  • Courts determine whether to grant a motion for directed verdict by applying a standard that requires them to view all evidence in favor of the non-moving party. This means considering if there are any factual disputes that should be resolved by a jury rather than a judge. If granted, it can significantly impact trial outcomes by removing critical issues from jury consideration, leading to quick resolutions in favor of one party. Conversely, if denied, it allows juries to deliberate on potentially contentious matters, increasing the stakes for both parties involved.

Related terms

Judgment as a Matter of Law (JMOL): A legal ruling that occurs when the judge decides that no reasonable jury could find for the opposing party based on the evidence presented.

Burden of Proof:

The obligation of a party to prove its allegations or claims in a legal dispute, which must be met in order to win the case.

Summary Judgment: A legal decision made by the court without a full trial, granted when there are no genuine disputes of material fact and one party is entitled to judgment as a matter of law.