Legal Definitions - judgment notwithstanding the verdict (JNOV)

A Judgment Notwithstanding the Verdict (JNOV) is a decision made by a judge after a jury has given their verdict in a trial. The judge sets aside the jury's decision and enters a new judgment in favor of the losing party without a new trial. This is similar to a directed verdict, but it happens after the jury has given their verdict.

A judge will issue a JNOV if they believe that the jury's verdict was unreasonablebased on the evidence presented at trial, or if the jury made a mistake in applying the law. A JNOV can be granted in response to a motion by the losing party or by the judge's own decision in some jurisdictions.

For example, in a personal injury case, the jury may have found the defendant not liable for the plaintiff's injuries. However, the judge may issue a JNOV if they believe that the evidence presented clearly shows that the defendant was responsible for the injuries.

It's important to note that some jurisdictions require a party to file a motion for a directed verdict earlier in the trial to preserve their right to move for a JNOV later on. A motion for a JNOV is often filed together with a motion for a new trial by the losing party in response to the jury's verdict.

A judge's decision to grant or deny a motion for JNOV can be reviewed on appeal. In federal cases, JNOV has been replaced by Judgment as a Matter of Law (JMOL) under the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.