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 Wisconsin, 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 party that does not carry the burden of proof for the particular claim or defense in question. The standard for the court to grant such a motion is whether, after considering all the evidence in the light most favorable to the non-moving party, no reasonable jury could find for the non-moving party. In Wisconsin state courts, this procedure is governed by the Wisconsin Statutes and the Wisconsin Rules of Civil Procedure, which may have provisions similar to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 50 that governs the same motion in the federal court system. It is important for parties considering this motion to consult with an attorney to understand the specific requirements and timing for filing such a motion in the jurisdiction where their case is being heard.