Directed verdict

Definition
1  : a verdict granted by the court when the party with the burden of proof has failed to present sufficient evidence of a genuine issue of material fact that must be submitted to a jury for its resolution <the order of the court granting a motion for a directed verdict is effective without any assent of the jury ­Federal Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 50(a)>
see also judgment notwithstanding the verdict at judgment
Motions for summary judgment, a directed verdict, or for judgment notwithstanding the verdict are all based on the assertion that there is no material fact at issue. A motion for a directed verdict is made after the opponent has presented the evidence.
2  : a verdict of acquittal ordered by the court on the ground that the evidence is not sufficient to support a conviction when viewed in the light most favorable to the prosecution
: See also judgment of acquittal <motions for directed verdict are abolished and motions for judgment of acquittal shall be used in their place ­Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure Rule 29(a)>



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Based on Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law ©2001.
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intrinsic fraud

fraud (as by the use of false or forged documents, false claims, or perjured testimony) that deceives the trier of fact and results in a judgment in favor of the party perpetrating the fraud


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