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 Tennessee, after a jury has rendered its verdict, a party who is dissatisfied with the outcome may file a motion for judgment notwithstanding the verdict (JNOV), which is also known as a motion for judgment as a matter of law. This motion asks the trial court to set aside the jury's verdict on the grounds that the evidence presented at trial was insufficient to support the verdict. The legal standard for granting a JNOV is stringent; the trial court can only grant this motion if it finds that no reasonable jury could have reached the verdict given the evidence presented. In other words, the evidence must point so strongly in favor of the moving party that the court believes there is no material evidence to support the verdict against them. If the trial court grants a JNOV, it effectively replaces the jury's decision with its own judgment. However, such decisions are subject to strict scrutiny on appeal, as appellate courts give considerable deference to the jury's findings of fact.

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

Tennessee State Code

Tennessee State Code

Civil procedure

judgment notwithstanding the verdict (JNOV)

Articles