Definition and Meaning
A Directed Verdict is a ruling by a judge, typically in favor of the defendant, concluding that the plaintiff has not met the necessary burden of proof to continue the trial. This decision can end a trial prematurely without the need for the jury to deliberate further.
Etymology and Background
The term derives from legal parlance where “directed” indicates the judge’s direction to render a specific verdict, essentially directing the jury to issue a particular decision, usually due to insufficient evidence provided by the plaintiff.
Key Takeaways
- Judicial Prerogative: A directed verdict exemplifies the authority of a judge to determine that no reasonable jury could find in favor of the plaintiff based on the presented evidence.
- Timing: Typically occurs at the end of the plaintiff’s case or after all evidence has been presented.
- Burden of Proof: Central to a directed verdict is the insufficiency of the plaintiff’s case to meet the requisite burden of proof.
Differences and Similarities
- Directed Verdict vs. Summary Judgment: Both are means to end a case without a full trial. However, a summary judgment occurs pre-trial, while a directed verdict occurs during the trial after evidence is presented.
- Directed Verdict vs. Judgment as a Matter of Law (JMOL): A JMOL can be requested by either party after a jury has rendered a verdict but deemed insufficient by legal standards. A directed verdict is a more immediate halt during the trial procedings.
Synonyms
- Instructed Verdict
- Directed Finding
Antonyms
- Jury Verdict
- Jury Decision
Related Terms with Definitions
- Summary Judgment: Judgment entered by a court for one party against another without a full trial when no material facts are in dispute.
- Burden of Proof: The obligation to prove one’s assertion in a court of law.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the role of a judge in a directed verdict?
The judge evaluates the evidence presented and determines if the plaintiff has failed to meet the necessary burden of proof, warranting a directed verdict in favor of the defendant.
When can a directed verdict be requested?
It can be requested at the close of the plaintiff’s evidence or at the close of all evidence in the case.
Is a directed verdict appealable?
Yes, the directed verdict can be appealed by the aggrieved party who feels the decision was incorrectly made.
Exciting Facts
- Historical Use: Directed verdicts have been a formal judicial practice in U.S. courts since the early 19th century.
- Global Variations: While common in the U.S., equivalent procedures exist worldwide under different legal terminologies.
Quotations and Proverbs
- “For it is most truly said: where the law ends, tyranny begins.” — William Pitt
- “Justice delayed is justice denied.” — William E. Gladstone
Government Regulations
- Federal Rules of Civil Procedure (Rule 50): Outlines the procedure for directed verdicts (now often referred to as judgment as a matter of law).
Suggested Literature and Further Studies
- Books:
- “American Courts and the Judicial Process” by G. Larry Mays and L. Thomas Winfree
- “Courts on Trial: Myth and Reality in American Justice” by Jerome Frank
To wrap up with a smile, remember: “In a world where truth and justice are often in short supply, a directed verdict is a judge’s way of asking, ‘Really? Is this the best you’ve got?’”
Warm regards, Jane Lieberman “Accuracy costs, vitality succumbs, and truth must be led by reason to win the day.”
