Simple English definitions for legal terms
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Term: Judgment as a matter of law
Definition: A decision made by a judge during a trial that says the case is over because there is not enough evidence to support the other side's argument. This can happen before or after the jury makes their decision. It means that no reasonable person could come to a different conclusion based on the evidence presented.
Definition: Judgment as a matter of law is a decision made by a judge during a trial, either before or after a verdict. The judge may make this decision if they believe that no reasonable jury could come to a different conclusion based on the evidence presented in the trial. In other words, if there is not enough evidence to support the opposite conclusion, the judge can make a judgment as a matter of law.
Example: During a trial, the defendant's lawyer may argue that there is not enough evidence to support the plaintiff's claim. If the judge agrees, they may make a judgment as a matter of law and dismiss the case before it goes to the jury.
Another example: In a personal injury case, the plaintiff may argue that the defendant was negligent and caused their injuries. If the defendant's lawyer can show that there is not enough evidence to support this claim, the judge may make a judgment as a matter of law and rule in favor of the defendant.
These examples illustrate how a judge can make a judgment as a matter of law if there is not enough evidence to support one side's claim. This can happen before the case goes to the jury or after the jury has made a verdict. It is important to note that this decision is made by the judge and not the jury.