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 South Carolina, 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 not presented evidence that could reasonably support a jury's verdict in their favor. This procedural move occurs after the plaintiff has presented their case but before the case is handed to the jury for deliberation. If the judge grants a directed verdict, it means that the judge concludes that no reasonable jury could find for the plaintiff based on the evidence presented, and thus, the case (or specific claims within the case) is dismissed without the need for a jury decision. The rules governing directed verdicts in South Carolina are found in the South Carolina Rules of Civil Procedure, specifically Rule 50. This rule outlines the timing and the standards for when a directed verdict may be appropriate. It is similar to a summary judgment, which is a pre-trial determination that there are no genuine issues of material fact and that the moving party is entitled to judgment as a matter of law, but a directed verdict occurs after the trial has begun and the plaintiff has had the opportunity to present their case.