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Civil procedure

judgment notwithstanding the verdict (JNOV)

After the jury’s verdict, a party may ask the trial court to disregard the jury’s findings and grant a motion for judgment notwithstanding the verdict (JNOV). The trial court may grant such a motion for judgment notwithstanding the verdict if the evidence conclusively establishes the moving party’s right to a judgment different than the jury’s findings.

In Arizona, after a jury has delivered its verdict, a party may request the trial court to set aside the jury's findings and issue a judgment notwithstanding the verdict (JNOV), also known as a judgment as a matter of law. This request is typically made through a post-trial motion. Arizona Rule of Civil Procedure 50(b) governs the JNOV process and stipulates that the court can grant such a motion if it finds that the evidence presented at trial, viewed in the light most favorable to the non-moving party, does not reasonably support the jury's verdict. Essentially, the court must determine that no reasonable jury could have reached the verdict given the evidence presented. The purpose of a JNOV is to prevent a miscarriage of justice where the evidence overwhelmingly favors one party, despite the jury's conclusion. It is important to note that JNOVs are granted sparingly, as courts are generally deferential to the jury's role as the finder of fact.

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Civil procedure

judgment notwithstanding the verdict (JNOV)

Individual & Family Legal Plan

Articles

Arizona State Code

Civil procedure

judgment notwithstanding the verdict (JNOV)

Arizona State Code

Articles