Legal Definitions - JNOV

JNOV stands for Judgment Notwithstanding the Verdict.

This is a legal ruling made by a judge in a civil case to overturn a jury's decision. It occurs when the judge determines that, based on the evidence presented at trial, no reasonable jury could have reached the verdict that was given. In essence, the judge concludes that the jury's verdict was legally unsupported by the facts and evidence, and therefore, the judge issues a judgment that goes against what the jury decided.

Here are a few examples to illustrate this concept:

• Example 1: Lack of Essential Evidence

  A plaintiff sues a car manufacturer, claiming a design defect caused an accident. During the trial, the plaintiff's legal team presents extensive evidence of their injuries and the accident itself, but fails to introduce any expert testimony or technical data to prove that a specific design defect actually existed or that such a defect directly caused the accident. Despite this critical lack of evidence on the defect, the jury finds the manufacturer liable.

  In this scenario, the car manufacturer's attorney could file a motion for JNOV. A judge would likely grant it because, without any evidence establishing a design defect or its causal link to the accident, no reasonable jury could legally conclude that the manufacturer was at fault. The jury's verdict, though well-intentioned, is not supported by the necessary legal proof.

• Example 2: Damages Unjustified by Evidence

  In a defamation lawsuit, the plaintiff successfully proves that the defendant made false statements. However, the plaintiff only presents evidence of minor emotional distress and no quantifiable financial losses, such as lost income or business opportunities. The jury, perhaps feeling sympathetic, awards the plaintiff $5 million in damages.

  The defendant's attorney could move for a JNOV specifically regarding the amount of damages. A judge might agree that while the jury could reasonably find the defendant liable for defamation, the $5 million award is wildly disproportionate and unsupported by any evidence of actual harm presented during the trial. The judge might then reduce the award to a more reasonable figure or order a new trial solely on the issue of damages.

• Example 3: Verdict Contradicting Undisputed Facts

  A landlord sues a tenant for unpaid rent. The landlord presents a signed lease agreement clearly stating the monthly rent and a ledger showing several months of non-payment. The tenant admits to signing the lease and not paying, but argues they shouldn't have to pay because they were unhappy with the apartment's paint color. The jury, for unknown reasons, finds in favor of the tenant, stating no rent is owed.

  The landlord's lawyer would likely file a motion for JNOV. The judge would almost certainly grant it because the undisputed facts (a signed lease, admitted non-payment) legally obligate the tenant to pay rent, regardless of their subjective dissatisfaction with paint color. No reasonable jury, applying the law to the presented evidence, could conclude that no rent was owed, making their verdict legally indefensible.