Legal Definitions - motion for a directed verdict

Definition: A motion for a directed verdict is a request made by a party in a trial to the judge to enter a judgment in their favor before the case is submitted to the jury. This is done when there is no legally sufficient evidence on which a reasonable jury could find for the other party.

For example, if a plaintiff brings a case against a defendant but fails to provide enough evidence to support their claim, the defendant can make a motion for a directed verdict. The judge will then decide whether or not to grant the motion and enter a judgment in favor of the defendant.

Another example would be if a defendant is accused of a crime but the prosecution fails to provide enough evidence to prove their guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The defense can make a motion for a directed verdict, and if granted, the defendant would be acquitted.

Overall, a motion for a directed verdict is a way for a party to ask the judge to end the trial early because there is not enough evidence to support the other party's case.