Legal Definitions - motion for judgment of acquittal

Definition: A motion for judgment of acquittal is a request made by a criminal defendant at the end of the government's case or the end of all evidence to be acquitted because there is no legally sufficient evidentiary basis on which a reasonable jury could return a guilty verdict. If the motion is granted, the government has no right of appeal. This motion is abbreviated as MJOA.

Example: During a trial, the prosecution presents all of their evidence against the defendant. After the prosecution rests their case, the defense attorney may make a motion for judgment of acquittal if they believe that the prosecution has not presented enough evidence to prove the defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. If the judge grants the motion, the case is over, and the defendant is acquitted.

Example: In another trial, the defense presents their case, and the prosecution presents their rebuttal evidence. At the end of all evidence, the defense attorney may make a motion for judgment of acquittal if they believe that the prosecution has not presented enough evidence to prove the defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. If the judge grants the motion, the case is over, and the defendant is acquitted.

These examples illustrate how a motion for judgment of acquittal can be made by the defense if they believe that the prosecution has not presented enough evidence to prove the defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. If the judge grants the motion, the case is over, and the defendant is acquitted.