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Simple English definitions for legal terms
judgment notwithstanding the verdict (JNOV)
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A quick definition of judgment notwithstanding the verdict (JNOV):
A judgment notwithstanding the verdict (JNOV) is a decision made by a judge after a jury has given their verdict in a trial. If the judge thinks that the jury's decision was not based on the evidence presented or if they made a mistake in applying the law, the judge can set aside the jury's verdict and make their own decision. This is similar to a directed verdict, but it happens after the jury has given their decision. A JNOV can be requested by the losing party or granted by the judge on their own. It can be given to either the plaintiff or defendant in a civil case. Sometimes, a JNOV is requested along with a motion for a new trial. The judge's decision can be reviewed on appeal.
A more thorough explanation:
A Judgment Notwithstanding the Verdict (JNOV) is a decision made by a judge after a jury has given their verdict in a trial. The judge sets aside the jury's decision and enters a new judgment in favor of the losing party without a new trial. This is similar to a directed verdict, but it happens after the jury has given their verdict.
A judge will issue a JNOV if they believe that the jury's verdict was unreasonable based on the evidence presented at trial, or if the jury made a mistake in applying the law. A JNOV can be granted in response to a motion by the losing party or by the judge's own decision in some jurisdictions.
For example, in a personal injury case, the jury may have found the defendant not liable for the plaintiff's injuries. However, the judge may issue a JNOV if they believe that the evidence presented clearly shows that the defendant was responsible for the injuries.
It's important to note that some jurisdictions require a party to file a motion for a directed verdict earlier in the trial to preserve their right to move for a JNOV later on. A motion for a JNOV is often filed together with a motion for a new trial by the losing party in response to the jury's verdict.
A judge's decision to grant or deny a motion for JNOV can be reviewed on appeal. In federal cases, JNOV has been replaced by Judgment as a Matter of Law (JMOL) under the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.