A motion for judgment as a matter of law is a procedure during trial in which a party who does not have the burden of proof on a claim (generally the defendant) or on a defense to a claim (generally the plaintiff) may ask the court to dismiss the claim or defense before the jury is allowed to decide it. The standard for dismissing such a claim or defense is whether no reasonable jury could find for the opposing party on the claim or defense. In the federal court system, a motion for judgment as a matter of law is governed by Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 50.

In New Mexico, a motion for judgment as a matter of law is a legal procedure that can be used during a jury trial when one party believes that the opposing party has not presented sufficient evidence to support a claim or defense. This motion is typically filed by the defendant in response to the plaintiff's claim or by the plaintiff in response to the defendant's defense. The standard for the court to grant such a motion is whether there is a lack of evidence such that no reasonable jury could find in favor of the non-moving party on the particular claim or defense. If the court finds that the evidence is insufficient, it may dismiss the claim or defense without sending it to the jury for deliberation. In New Mexico state courts, this procedure is governed by the New Mexico Rules of Civil Procedure, which may have provisions similar to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 50. However, the specific rules and standards may vary, and it is important to consult the state rules and case law for detailed guidance on the application of this legal procedure in New Mexico.