Who typically requests a directed verdict?

Who typically requests a directed verdict?

• A. The judge
• B. The defense attorney
• C. The plaintiff
• D. The jury

Answer: (B)

A directed verdict is a ruling that ends a trial early because there isn’t enough legally sufficient evidence for a verdict to stand. The defense attorney typically files this motion, arguing that even when the plaintiff’s evidence is viewed in the strongest light for the plaintiff, an essential element can’t be proven, so no reasonable jury could rule in the plaintiff’s favor. If the judge grants it, judgment is entered for the moving side and the trial ends without a jury verdict. If denied, the trial continues toward a normal jury decision. The defense often uses this tool to avoid a potentially unfavorable jury verdict when the evidence doesn’t meet the legal standard. The jury doesn’t request or grant a directed verdict, and while a plaintiff can move for one in some contexts, it’s less common.

A directed verdict is a ruling that ends a trial early because there isn’t enough legally sufficient evidence for a verdict to stand. The defense attorney typically files this motion, arguing that even when the plaintiff’s evidence is viewed in the strongest light for the plaintiff, an essential element can’t be proven, so no reasonable jury could rule in the plaintiff’s favor. If the judge grants it, judgment is entered for the moving side and the trial ends without a jury verdict. If denied, the trial continues toward a normal jury decision. The defense often uses this tool to avoid a potentially unfavorable jury verdict when the evidence doesn’t meet the legal standard. The jury doesn’t request or grant a directed verdict, and while a plaintiff can move for one in some contexts, it’s less common.