Post-trial motions

Definition

Post-trial motions are requests made to the court after a trial has concluded, seeking to alter or challenge the outcome of the trial. These motions can address various issues, such as requesting a new trial or seeking to overturn a jury's verdict. They serve as a mechanism for parties to correct potential errors that occurred during the trial process and can significantly influence the appeals process by setting the stage for further legal actions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Post-trial motions must generally be filed within a specific time frame, often dictated by local rules or statutes, which can vary depending on the jurisdiction.
2. Common grounds for post-trial motions include juror misconduct, newly discovered evidence, or improper admission of evidence during the trial.
3. If a motion for a new trial is granted, it typically allows for the case to be retried in front of a different jury, which can significantly impact the final outcome.
4. The denial of post-trial motions can set the stage for an appeal, as parties may argue that errors made during the trial warrant further review by an appellate court.
5. Some jurisdictions may allow for certain post-trial motions to be heard without a full evidentiary hearing, making them quicker and more efficient compared to standard trials.

Review Questions

• What are the primary purposes of post-trial motions, and how do they function within the overall trial process?
  • Post-trial motions serve to address potential issues that arose during the trial, allowing parties to seek remedies for perceived errors. They function as a way for litigants to correct mistakes before moving on to an appeal. These motions can lead to significant changes in case outcomes, such as ordering a new trial or altering judgments based on legal grounds that may have impacted the fairness of the original trial.
• How do post-trial motions impact the appeals process, particularly regarding timing and procedural requirements?
  • Post-trial motions directly influence the appeals process as they must usually be resolved before an appeal can be filed. If denied, these motions provide a formal basis for parties to argue their case before an appellate court. Additionally, addressing issues through post-trial motions may create a more comprehensive record of errors and decisions that can be critical during an appeal.
• Evaluate how different types of post-trial motions can change the legal landscape of a case and affect parties' strategies moving forward.
  • Different types of post-trial motions, such as those requesting a new trial or JNOV, have profound implications for how cases progress after trial. When granted, these motions can completely alter a party's strategy—requiring them to prepare for an entirely new trial or adjust their approach based on judicial feedback from prior proceedings. The potential for further litigation influences settlement discussions and overall legal tactics as parties assess their likelihood of success in subsequent rounds of legal challenges.

Related terms

Motion for New Trial: A request made by a party after a trial asking the court to nullify the verdict and hold a new trial, often based on claims of legal errors or procedural irregularities.

Judgment Notwithstanding the Verdict (JNOV): A legal motion requesting that the court enter a judgment contrary to the jury's verdict, typically arguing that no reasonable jury could have reached that conclusion.

Appeal: The legal process through which a party seeks a higher court's review of a lower court's decision, often following post-trial motions if they are denied.