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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 Ohio, a directed verdict is a legal procedure where the judge takes the decision out of the jury's hands and rules on a case or specific claims during the trial. This occurs when the judge determines that the party with the burden of proof, typically the plaintiff, has not presented evidence that is legally sufficient to support a verdict in their favor. Ohio Rule of Civil Procedure 50(A) governs the motion for a directed verdict, allowing a party to move for such a ruling any time after the opponent has been fully heard on an issue. If the motion is granted, the trial is effectively ended with respect to the claims addressed by the directed verdict. This tool ensures that cases without the requisite legal foundation do not proceed to a jury decision, thereby conserving judicial resources and upholding the standards of the legal system. It is similar to a summary judgment, which is also a judgment as a matter of law, but a summary judgment is decided before a trial begins, while a directed verdict occurs after the trial has started and before it goes to the jury.

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Civil procedure

directed verdict

Individual & Family Legal Plan

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Ohio State Code

Civil procedure

directed verdict

Ohio State Code

Articles