Simple English definitions for legal terms
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A motion for a directed verdict is a request made by one party in a court case to the judge to enter a judgment in their favor before the case is presented to the jury. This is because there is not enough evidence to support the other party's case. It is also known as a motion for judgment as a matter of law.
Definition: A motion for a directed verdict is a request made by a party in a trial to the judge to enter a judgment in their favor before the case is submitted to the jury. This is done when there is no legally sufficient evidence on which a reasonable jury could find for the other party.
For example, if a plaintiff brings a case against a defendant but fails to provide enough evidence to support their claim, the defendant can make a motion for a directed verdict. The judge will then decide whether or not to grant the motion and enter a judgment in favor of the defendant.
Another example would be if a defendant is accused of a crime but the prosecution fails to provide enough evidence to prove their guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The defense can make a motion for a directed verdict, and if granted, the defendant would be acquitted.
Overall, a motion for a directed verdict is a way for a party to ask the judge to end the trial early because there is not enough evidence to support the other party's case.