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 Utah, a directed verdict is a legal mechanism governed by Rule 50 of the Utah Rules of Civil Procedure. This rule allows a judge to issue a directed verdict during a trial when the party bearing the burden of proof, typically the plaintiff, has presented their case and the evidence is insufficient to warrant a jury decision in their favor. The standard for granting a directed verdict is that no reasonable jury could find for the party with the burden of proof based on the evidence presented. 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 plaintiff has presented their evidence at trial. If the motion for a directed verdict is denied, the trial proceeds, and the defense presents their case. An attorney may advise their client on the strategic use of a directed verdict motion depending on the strength of the evidence presented.