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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 Montana, a directed verdict is a legal procedure where the judge takes the decision out of the jury's hands and rules on one or more claims during the trial. This occurs when the judge determines that the party with the burden of proof, typically the plaintiff, has not presented enough evidence for a reasonable jury to potentially rule in their favor. The motion for a directed verdict is made after the plaintiff has presented all their evidence but before the case is submitted to the jury. If granted, the directed verdict results in a judgment for the defendant without the need for further deliberation by the jury. This process is governed by the Montana Rules of Civil Procedure, specifically Rule 50. It is similar to a summary judgment, which is a pre-trial ruling that no factual issues exist to be tried, but a directed verdict occurs after the trial has begun and the plaintiff has had the opportunity to present their case.

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Civil procedure

directed verdict

Individual & Family Legal Plan

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Montana State Code

Montana State Code

Civil procedure

directed verdict

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