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 Arkansas, a directed verdict is a ruling by the court during a jury trial, typically requested by the defense, where the judge determines that the plaintiff (or the party with the burden of proof) has not presented enough evidence to support a legal claim. If the evidence presented by the plaintiff, when viewed in the light most favorable to them, is not sufficient for a reasonable jury to find in their favor, the judge may grant a directed verdict, effectively deciding the case without it going to the jury for deliberation. This procedural move occurs after the plaintiff has presented their case but before the case is submitted to the jury for a verdict. The directed verdict is governed by the Arkansas Rules of Civil Procedure, specifically Rule 50. It serves to prevent unnecessary deliberations when there is no legally sufficient evidentiary basis for a jury to reach a different conclusion. The standard for granting a directed verdict is whether there is any substantial evidence to support the claim or defense, and the motion for a directed verdict challenges the sufficiency of the evidence presented.