key term - Judgment Notwithstanding the Verdict

Definition

Judgment notwithstanding the verdict (JNOV) is a legal motion that allows a judge to overrule the jury's decision if the judge believes that no reasonable jury could have reached that conclusion based on the evidence presented. This term highlights the balance of power between the jury's role as fact-finder and the judge's responsibility to ensure justice is served, particularly when the evidence clearly supports one side over the other.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. A JNOV can only be granted after a jury has returned its verdict, and it is typically filed by the losing party.
2. The standard for granting a JNOV is whether there is sufficient evidence for any reasonable jury to reach a different conclusion.
3. If granted, the JNOV effectively nullifies the jury's verdict, leading to a new ruling by the judge.
4. Judges are generally cautious when granting JNOVs, as they respect the jury's role in deciding facts, making them more likely to grant such motions in clear-cut cases.
5. Parties typically have a limited time frame to file for a JNOV after a jury's verdict, often within a few days.

Review Questions

• How does a judgment notwithstanding the verdict function in relation to jury decisions?
  • A judgment notwithstanding the verdict allows a judge to reject a jury's decision if it is determined that no reasonable jury could have arrived at that conclusion given the evidence. This mechanism ensures that while juries play a critical role in fact-finding, judges retain authority to correct clear errors in judgment where the facts overwhelmingly support one party’s position. Essentially, it serves as a check on jury power, ensuring legal standards are upheld.
• What are some key considerations judges take into account when deciding whether to grant a JNOV?
  • Judges consider whether the evidence presented at trial was sufficient for any reasonable jury to reach the verdict in question. They analyze all evidence in the light most favorable to the non-moving party, which means they assume that all factual disputes were resolved in favor of that party. Judges are also mindful of respecting the jury's role and typically reserve granting a JNOV for situations where the outcome seems unjust or unreasonable based on clear evidence.
• Evaluate how the existence of a JNOV affects trial strategy for both plaintiffs and defendants.
  • The potential for a judgment notwithstanding the verdict significantly influences how attorneys prepare and present their cases. For plaintiffs, knowing that their case could face a JNOV motivates them to build strong, compelling evidence and arguments that leave little room for doubt. Defendants might focus on creating reasonable doubt about key issues or rely on procedural tactics that make it more difficult for plaintiffs to meet their burden of proof. Ultimately, understanding this legal tool impacts how both sides approach trial preparation and decision-making throughout litigation.

Related terms

Motion for Judgment as a Matter of Law: A request made during a trial for the judge to rule that the opposing party has not presented sufficient evidence to support its case.

Verdict: The formal decision made by a jury or judge at the end of a trial regarding the outcome of a case.

Appeal:

The process by which a party requests a higher court to review and change the outcome of a lower court's decision.