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Civil procedure

directed verdict

A directed verdict is a procedure used by judges during trial to dismiss one or more claims when the party with the burden of proof (plaintiff) has failed to introduce evidence that is sufficient for a reasonable jury to find in favor of the party with the burden of proof. A directed verdict is like a summary judgment, but happens during trial rather than before trial.

In Alabama, a directed verdict is a ruling by the court during a jury trial, typically requested by a defendant, where the judge determines that the plaintiff has not presented sufficient evidence to reasonably support a legal claim. Under Rule 50 of the Alabama Rules of Civil Procedure, a party may move for a directed verdict at the close of the evidence presented by an opponent or at the close of all the evidence. If the court finds that there is no genuine issue of material fact and that the moving party is entitled to a judgment as a matter of law, it may grant the directed verdict. This procedural action prevents the case from going to the jury for a decision when the judge concludes that no reasonable jury could find in favor of the non-moving party based on the evidence presented. It is similar to a summary judgment, which is also a judgment as a matter of law, but a summary judgment is decided before the trial begins, while a directed verdict occurs after the trial has started and before it goes to the jury.

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Civil procedure

directed verdict

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Alabama State Code

Alabama State Code

Civil procedure

directed verdict

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