civil procedure · procedure
A directed verdict is a ruling made by a judge during a jury trial, concluding that no reasonable jury could reach a different conclusion based on the evidence presented. This ruling effectively ends the trial before the jury deliberates, often in favor of one party.
The evidence presented by the party bearing the burden must be sufficient to support a reasonable jury's verdict.
What to prove: It must be shown that the evidence, when viewed in the light most favorable to the non-moving party, fails to establish a prima facie case.
There must be a clear standard ruling on the legal merits of the claims made.
What to prove: One must demonstrate that the legal elements necessary for the cause of action have not been adequately established.
The party moving for a directed verdict bears the burden of proving that there are no genuine issues of material fact and that they are entitled to judgment as a matter of law.
Exam questions often focus on the procedural appropriateness of a directed verdict and may require analysis of whether the evidence presented meets the necessary legal thresholds.