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 California, a directed verdict, which is referred to as a 'judgment as a matter of law' in federal courts, is a ruling by the court during a jury trial. It occurs when the judge concludes that no reasonable jury could reach a decision to the contrary. This can happen if the plaintiff (the party with the burden of proof) has presented their case and there is insufficient evidence for a jury to reasonably find in their favor. The California Code of Civil Procedure Section 630 provides the framework for a directed verdict, stating that it can be granted after the plaintiff has completed the presentation of their evidence or after the close of all the evidence. The motion for a directed verdict must specify the grounds upon which it is made and is subject to specific procedural requirements. If granted, the directed verdict effectively ends the trial on the claims addressed by the motion, as the judge takes the decision out of the jury's hands. This is distinct from a summary judgment, which is decided before a trial begins and is based on the argument that there is no genuine issue of material fact to be tried.