Define: Directed Verdict

Directed Verdict
Directed Verdict
Quick Summary of Directed Verdict

A ruling by a judge, typically made after the plaintiff has presented all of her evidence but before the defendant puts on his case, that awards judgment to the defendant. A directed verdict is usually made because the judge concludes the plaintiff has failed to offer the minimum amount of evidence to prove her case even if there were no opposition. In other words, the judge is saying that, as a matter of law, no reasonable jury could decide in the plaintiff’s favour. In a criminal case, a directed verdict is a judgement of acquittal for the defendant.

What is the dictionary definition of Directed Verdict?
Dictionary Definition of Directed Verdict

n. a verdict by a jury based on the specific direction by a trial judge that they must bring in that verdict because one of the parties has not proved his/her/its case as a matter of law (failed to present credible testimony on some key element of the claim or of the defense). A judge in a criminal case may direct a verdict of acquittal on the basis that the prosecution has not proved its case, but the judge may not direct a verdict of guilty, since that would deprive the accused of the constitutional right to a jury trial.

Full Definition Of Directed Verdict

A directed verdict is a verdict that a judge has taken from the jury or ordered the jury to find without deliberation. A directed verdict is done when the prosecution or the defence lawyer does not have the ability to prove their case sufficiently and the evidence is very weak either in favour of the plaintiff or the defendant.

Directed verdicts can also be made after the plaintiff or defendant makes a motion for a directed verdict, specifically asking the court to issue a directed verdict in that party’s favour. These motions are generally not granted until both sides in the case have presented their arguments. Directed verdicts do not happen very often because generally there is some evidence that could create reasonable doubt and should be evaluated by the jury or judge during the trial phase.

Directed Verdict FAQ'S

A directed verdict, also known as a directed verdict of acquittal or judgment as a matter of law, is a ruling by a judge in a trial that instructs the jury to return a specific verdict without considering the merits of the case further.

A directed verdict can be requested by a party at the close of the opposing party’s case or at the close of all evidence. It is typically requested when the evidence presented is insufficient to support a jury verdict in favour of the opposing party.

A directed verdict can be granted if, after viewing the evidence in the light most favourable to the non-moving party, no reasonable jury could find in favour of that party. This may occur when the evidence is legally insufficient to establish a claim or defence.

Either party in a civil or criminal trial can request a directed verdict. The party making the request typically argues that the opposing party has failed to present sufficient evidence to support their case.

The standard for granting a directed verdict varies depending on the jurisdiction and the type of case. Generally, the judge must determine whether the evidence presented, when viewed in the light most favourable to the non-moving party, is legally sufficient to support a verdict in their favour.

If a directed verdict is granted, the judge instructs the jury to return a specific verdict without deliberating further. In a civil case, this may result in a judgment for the moving party, while in a criminal case, it may result in an acquittal.

Yes, a party aggrieved by the granting or denial of a directed verdict may seek appellate review. However, appellate courts typically give deference to the trial court’s decision and will only overturn it if there was a clear error of law.

A directed verdict is issued before the case is submitted to the jury, based on the sufficiency of the evidence. In contrast, a JNOV is granted after a jury has returned a verdict, but the judge determines that no reasonable jury could have reached that verdict based on the evidence presented.

Yes, a directed verdict can be granted in a criminal case if the evidence presented by the prosecution is legally insufficient to support a conviction beyond a reasonable doubt.

A directed verdict is specific to jury trials and occurs after the presentation of evidence, while summary judgment is a pre-trial procedure in which a judge determines whether there are genuine issues of material fact requiring a trial.

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This site contains general legal information but does not constitute professional legal advice for your particular situation. Persuing this glossary does not create an attorney-client or legal adviser relationship. If you have specific questions, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.

This glossary post was last updated: 29th March, 2024.

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