Legal Definitions - motion for a directed verdict

A motion for a directed verdict is a formal request made by one party in a jury trial, typically the defendant, asking the judge to rule in their favor before the jury has a chance to deliberate. This motion is made on the grounds that the opposing party has failed to present sufficient evidence to support their legal claim, even if all of their presented evidence were believed. If the judge grants the motion, it means that no reasonable jury could find in favor of the opposing party based on the evidence presented, and the judge will then instruct the jury to return a specific verdict or will enter judgment directly, effectively ending the trial without jury deliberation.

• Example 1: Personal Injury Lawsuit

  A plaintiff sues a grocery store for negligence, claiming they slipped and fell on a puddle of water near the produce section, sustaining an injury. During the trial, the plaintiff testifies about their fall and injury but presents no evidence (such as witness testimony, surveillance footage, or employee reports) that the puddle existed, how long it had been there, or that the store staff knew or should have known about it and failed to clean it up. The plaintiff's entire case rests solely on the fact that they fell.

  The grocery store's attorney could make a motion for a directed verdict. They would argue that even if the jury believes the plaintiff fell and was injured, the plaintiff has not provided any evidence of the store's negligence (i.e., a duty owed, a breach of that duty, and causation). Without such evidence, no reasonable jury could find the grocery store liable for negligence, and therefore, the judge should rule in the store's favor immediately.

• Example 2: Breach of Contract Dispute

  A freelance graphic designer sues a client for breach of contract, alleging the client failed to pay for a completed logo design. During the trial, the designer presents testimony about creating the logo and sending it to the client but fails to produce any written contract, emails, or other communications proving that an agreement was ever made with the client, what the agreed-upon price was, or that the client actually received and used the design. The client denies ever agreeing to the work or receiving the final product.

  The client's attorney could file a motion for a directed verdict. They would contend that the graphic designer has not presented sufficient evidence to establish the existence of a valid contract, the specific terms of any alleged agreement, or that the client breached those terms. Without proof of a contract and its breach, fundamental elements of a breach of contract claim are missing, and no reasonable jury could find the client liable.

• Example 3: Defamation Claim

  An individual sues a local newspaper for defamation, claiming an article published about them was false and damaging to their reputation. During the trial, the plaintiff testifies that the article made them look bad and caused them emotional distress. However, they fail to present any evidence demonstrating that the statements in the article were actually false, or that the newspaper acted with "actual malice" (knowledge of falsity or reckless disregard for the truth), which is often required in defamation cases involving public figures or matters of public concern.

  The newspaper's attorney would likely make a motion for a directed verdict. They would argue that the plaintiff has not met the burden of proof for a defamation claim, specifically by failing to provide evidence of falsity or actual malice. Since these are essential elements of the claim, the attorney would assert that no reasonable jury could find the newspaper liable, and the judge should therefore direct a verdict in the newspaper's favor.