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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 Oregon, a directed verdict is a ruling by the court during a jury trial, typically requested by the defendant, where the judge determines that the plaintiff (the party with the burden of proof) has presented insufficient evidence for a reasonable jury to reach a verdict in the plaintiff's favor. This procedure is governed by Oregon Rule of Civil Procedure 60, which allows a party to move for a directed verdict at the close of the evidence presented by an opponent. If the court grants a directed verdict, it means that the case is decided without the jury's deliberation on that particular claim or claims. This is different from a summary judgment, which is decided by the court before the trial begins, based on legal arguments and evidence presented in pleadings and is governed by Oregon Rule of Civil Procedure 47. Both mechanisms serve to expedite the resolution of legal disputes by allowing the court to rule on issues of law or on cases where the evidence is deemed insufficient to support a legal claim.

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Civil procedure

directed verdict

Individual & Family Legal Plan

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Oregon State Code

Civil procedure

directed verdict

Oregon State Code

Articles