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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 Maryland, 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 legally sufficient evidence to support a claim, and therefore, no reasonable jury could find in favor of the plaintiff on that claim. This procedure is governed by Maryland Rule 2-519, which allows a party to move for a directed verdict at the close of the evidence offered by an opponent or at the close of all the evidence. A directed verdict in Maryland is similar to a summary judgment, which is a pre-trial determination that there are no genuine disputes of material fact and that a party is entitled to judgment as a matter of law. However, a directed verdict occurs after the trial has begun and evidence has been presented, whereas a summary judgment is decided before the trial starts based on pleadings, depositions, and other discovery materials.

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Civil procedure

directed verdict

Individual & Family Legal Plan

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Maryland State Code

Maryland State Code

Civil procedure

directed verdict

Articles