Legal Definitions - Motion For Directed Verdict

A motion for directed verdict is a request made by either the plaintiff or defendant before a case is submitted to the jury. It argues that no reasonable jury could find for the opposing party.

In federal civil law, these motions are governed by Rule 50 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. In federal criminal law, they are governed by Rule 29 of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure.

In the federal court system, directed verdicts have been largely replaced by judgment as a matter of law (JMOL).

In a personal injury case, the defendant's lawyer may make a motion for directed verdict if they believe that the plaintiff has not presented enough evidence to prove their case. The lawyer would argue that no reasonable jury could find the defendant liable based on the evidence presented.

This example illustrates how a motion for directed verdict is used to argue that there is not enough evidence to support a verdict in favor of the opposing party.