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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 Utah, a party may file a motion for judgment notwithstanding the verdict (JNOV), which is also known as a motion for a directed verdict, after a jury has rendered its decision. This motion asks the trial court to set aside the jury's verdict on the grounds that the evidence presented at trial was so conclusive that no reasonable jury could have reached the decision it did. The standard for granting a JNOV is high; the court must find that the evidence overwhelmingly supports the moving party's case to the extent that there were no factual issues for the jury to decide. Utah Rule of Civil Procedure 50 addresses the JNOV and outlines the procedural requirements and timing for filing such a motion. If the court grants a JNOV, it can result in a judgment in favor of the moving party despite the jury's verdict. However, these motions are not commonly granted, 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)

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Civil procedure

judgment notwithstanding the verdict (JNOV)