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 New Jersey, a directed verdict is a legal mechanism governed by Rule 4:37-2(b) of the New Jersey Court Rules. This rule allows a judge to issue a directed verdict during a trial when, upon the completion of the evidence presented by the party bearing the burden of proof (typically the plaintiff), the judge determines that there is no legally sufficient evidentiary basis for a reasonable jury to find in favor of that party. Essentially, if after the plaintiff has presented all their evidence, and considering all the evidence in the light most favorable to the plaintiff, there is still no factual basis upon which a reasonable jury could conclude that the plaintiff is entitled to a verdict, the judge can direct a verdict in favor of the defendant. This procedure ensures that cases without the necessary legal foundation do not proceed to a jury decision, thereby saving time and resources. It is similar to a summary judgment, which is also a judgment entered by a court for one party against another party summarily, i.e., without a full trial, but a directed verdict occurs after the trial has begun and the plaintiff has presented their case.