Post-trial motions

Definition

Post-trial motions are requests made after a trial has concluded, seeking to alter or amend the trial's outcome. These motions can address various issues, such as seeking a new trial, modifying a judgment, or appealing for relief from a verdict. They serve as a mechanism for parties to challenge the court's decisions and ensure that justice is served by allowing for corrections or reconsiderations of the case.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Post-trial motions must typically be filed within a specific timeframe, often dictated by court rules, usually within 10 to 30 days after the judgment.
2. These motions can be based on various grounds, including errors in jury instructions, newly discovered evidence, or procedural irregularities that occurred during the trial.
3. If a post-trial motion is granted, it can lead to different outcomes, including a complete new trial, a modification of damages, or even a reversal of the judgment.
4. Post-trial motions provide an important opportunity for parties to correct mistakes before moving forward with an appeal, which can be more complex and time-consuming.
5. The court's decision on post-trial motions is generally final unless an appeal is made; however, appellate courts review these decisions with great deference.

Review Questions

• How do post-trial motions serve as an essential tool for parties seeking justice after a trial?
  • Post-trial motions allow parties to formally address perceived mistakes or injustices that occurred during the trial. By filing these motions, parties can request remedies such as a new trial or modifications to the judgment based on claims like errors in jury instructions or new evidence. This mechanism acts as a safety net for ensuring fairness in the judicial process and allows courts to correct potential errors before proceeding to appeals.
• What are some common grounds for filing post-trial motions, and how might they impact the final outcome of a case?
  • Common grounds for post-trial motions include significant procedural errors during the trial, newly discovered evidence that could affect the verdict, or challenges to jury instructions. If such motions are granted, they can lead to various outcomes like a new trial being ordered or adjustments in damage awards. This process underscores the importance of thoroughness and fairness in judicial proceedings and can significantly change the final resolution of a case.
• Evaluate the implications of granting a post-trial motion on both the parties involved and the judicial system as a whole.
  • Granting a post-trial motion can have significant implications for both parties and the judicial system. For plaintiffs and defendants, it may provide a second chance to rectify issues that could have affected their rights and outcomes. For the judicial system, allowing such motions helps maintain public confidence in legal proceedings by ensuring that verdicts are just and properly reached. However, it can also extend litigation timelines and add complexity to cases, reflecting the balance between individual rights and judicial efficiency.

Related terms

Judgment Notwithstanding the Verdict (JNOV): A legal motion requesting the court to reverse or modify the jury's verdict on the grounds that the verdict was not supported by sufficient evidence.

New Trial: A post-trial motion that asks the court to conduct a new trial due to significant errors made during the original trial that affected its outcome.

Remittitur: A legal process by which a judge reduces the amount of damages awarded by a jury if deemed excessive or unreasonable.