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 Wisconsin, a directed verdict is a legal procedure where the judge takes the decision out of the jury's hands and rules on one or more claims during the trial. This occurs when the judge determines that the party with the burden of proof, typically the plaintiff, has not presented enough evidence for a reasonable jury to potentially rule in their favor. The standard for granting a directed verdict is that there can be no credible evidence that would allow a reasonable jury to find for the non-moving party. This is governed by Wisconsin Statutes and case law interpreting those statutes. A directed verdict is similar to a summary judgment, which is a pre-trial ruling that no factual issues exist to be tried, but a directed verdict happens after the trial has begun and typically after the plaintiff has presented their case. The procedure for a directed verdict in Wisconsin is outlined in the Wisconsin Rules of Civil Procedure, and the specific standards and practices can be found in relevant state case law.