Select your state

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 California, after a jury has rendered its verdict, a party may request the trial court to set aside the jury's findings by filing a motion for Judgment Notwithstanding the Verdict (JNOV). This motion asks the court to enter a judgment opposite to the one reached by the jury on the grounds that no reasonable jury could have reached such a verdict based on the evidence presented during the trial. Under California law, specifically California Code of Civil Procedure Section 629, a JNOV is appropriate when the evidence presented at trial is insufficient to support the verdict, and it overwhelmingly favors the party moving for the JNOV. The court can grant a JNOV only if, after viewing the evidence in the light most favorable to the party securing the jury verdict, it determines that the evidence cannot support the verdict and that the moving party is entitled to judgment as a matter of law. It is important to note that JNOVs are granted sparingly, as they contradict the jury's findings, which are generally given great deference by the courts.

Legal Articles

State Statutes

Individual & Family Legal Plan

As a LegalFix member, you'll get expert legal services from a local law firm that treats you like an important client. Don't wait—be prepared for life's inevitable legal challenges starting today. And ask your employer, credit union, or membership group about preferred pricing opportunities.

Civil procedure

judgment notwithstanding the verdict (JNOV)

Individual & Family Legal Plan

Articles

California State Code

California State Code

Civil procedure

judgment notwithstanding the verdict (JNOV)

Articles