Post-trial motions

Definition

Post-trial motions are formal requests made to a court after a trial has concluded, seeking specific relief or action regarding the judgment or verdict. These motions serve as a mechanism for parties to challenge or alter the outcome of the trial based on various grounds such as errors in law, new evidence, or other justifications. They play a crucial role in the judicial process, ensuring that the legal rights of the parties are protected even after a verdict is reached.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Post-trial motions must typically be filed within a specific time frame after the verdict, often ranging from days to weeks depending on jurisdiction.
2. These motions can address various issues including legal errors, jury misconduct, or insufficient evidence supporting the verdict.
3. In many cases, post-trial motions can lead to significant changes in the outcome of a case, such as ordering a new trial or altering damages awarded.
4. Parties may also use post-trial motions to request remittitur, which reduces an excessive jury award without necessitating a new trial.
5. Judges have discretion in ruling on post-trial motions, and their decisions can be subject to appeal if either party is dissatisfied with the outcome.

Review Questions

• What are some common grounds for filing post-trial motions, and how do they differ from typical trial motions?
  • Common grounds for filing post-trial motions include claims of legal error during the trial, newly discovered evidence, jury misconduct, and challenges to the sufficiency of evidence. Unlike typical trial motions that may occur during proceedings, post-trial motions arise after a verdict has been reached and focus on addressing issues that could impact the final judgment. They serve as an essential safeguard in ensuring that all legal rights are considered before a case is fully resolved.
• Discuss how a motion for a new trial is related to post-trial motions and what specific reasons may lead to such a request.
  • A motion for a new trial is a specific type of post-trial motion that seeks to overturn the original verdict and conduct another trial. Reasons for this request can include substantial errors made during the trial, such as incorrect jury instructions or improper admission of evidence, as well as newly discovered evidence that could potentially change the outcome. By allowing for this type of motion, courts ensure that justice is upheld and that any significant procedural mistakes are rectified.
• Evaluate the implications of post-trial motions on the appellate process and how they might affect subsequent appeals.
  • Post-trial motions can significantly influence the appellate process by providing an opportunity for courts to correct potential errors before an appeal is filed. If a party files a post-trial motion and it is denied, they may then appeal that decision along with any previous rulings from the trial court. This layered approach can streamline appeals by resolving issues at the trial level first, ensuring that appellate courts only consider well-defined legal questions rather than revisiting facts already addressed by the lower court. Therefore, effective use of post-trial motions can enhance or undermine the chances of success in subsequent appeals.

Related terms

Motion for a new trial: A request asking the court to nullify the original trial's verdict and conduct a new trial, usually based on claims of significant legal errors or newly discovered evidence.

Judgment notwithstanding the verdict (JNOV): A motion asking the court to overturn the jury's verdict on the grounds that no reasonable jury could have reached that conclusion based on the evidence presented.

Appeal: The legal process by which a party seeks to have a higher court review and change the decision of a lower court.