A motion for new trial is a procedure that allows the trial court to order a new trial to correct significant errors in the previous trial that prevented a party from receiving a fair trial.
In Wyoming, a motion for a new trial is governed by the Wyoming Rules of Civil Procedure, specifically Rule 59. This rule allows a party to request a new trial on all or some of the issues for reasons including, but not limited to, errors of law at the trial, the verdict being against the weight of the evidence, newly discovered evidence that could not have been obtained with reasonable diligence before or during the trial, misconduct of the jury or prevailing party, or a verdict that is excessive or inadequate. The motion must generally be filed within a specified time after the jury verdict or the court's decision, usually within 28 days. If the court finds that there was indeed a significant error that affected the party's rights to a fair trial, it may grant a new trial. The decision to grant a new trial is at the discretion of the trial court and is subject to review only for abuse of that discretion.