Simple English definitions for legal terms
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A motion for J.N.O.V is a request made by a party to the court to enter a judgment in their favor, even if the jury has given a different verdict. This is because the party believes that there is not enough evidence to support the other party's case. This motion has been replaced by the motion for judgment as a matter of law under the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.
Definition: A motion for J.N.O.V, also known as a motion for judgment notwithstanding the verdict, is a request made by a party to the court to enter a judgment in their favor despite the jury's verdict. This is because there is no legally sufficient evidentiary basis for the jury to find for the other party.
For example, if a plaintiff sues a defendant for breach of contract and the jury finds in favor of the defendant, the plaintiff may file a motion for J.N.O.V if they believe that there was not enough evidence to support the jury's decision.
Under the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, this procedure has been replaced by the provision for a motion for judgment as a matter of law. This motion must be presented before the case has been submitted to the jury but can be reasserted if it is denied and the jury returns an unfavorable verdict.
Example: In a medical malpractice case, the plaintiff claims that the defendant doctor failed to diagnose their illness, causing them harm. The jury finds in favor of the defendant, but the plaintiff believes that there was not enough evidence to support the verdict. The plaintiff files a motion for J.N.O.V, asking the court to enter a judgment in their favor.
This example illustrates how a party can use a motion for J.N.O.V to challenge a jury's verdict if they believe that there was not enough evidence to support it.