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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 Iowa, a directed verdict is a ruling by the court during a jury trial, typically requested by the defense, asserting that the plaintiff (or party with the burden of proof) has not presented sufficient evidence to support a legal claim. If the court agrees, it directs the jury to return a verdict in favor of the defendant without allowing the jury to deliberate on the evidence. This procedure is governed by the Iowa Rules of Civil Procedure. Specifically, Rule 1.943 allows a party to move for a directed verdict at the close of the evidence presented by an opponent. If the court finds that the evidence is insufficient to sustain a verdict, it may grant the motion and enter a verdict without submission to the jury. This is similar to a summary judgment, which is a pre-trial determination that no factual issues remain to be tried and therefore a trial is unnecessary. However, a directed verdict occurs after the trial has begun and evidence has been presented, but before the case is submitted to the jury for deliberation.

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Civil procedure

directed verdict

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Iowa State Code

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Civil procedure

directed verdict

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