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Understanding Judgment Non Obstante Veredicto: A Legal Overview
Definition & Meaning
Judgment non obstante veredicto, often abbreviated as JNOV, refers to a legal ruling made by a judge that overrides the decision made by a jury. This type of judgment occurs after a jury trial when the judge believes that the jury's verdict is not supported by sufficient evidence or does not correctly apply the law. Essentially, it allows the judge to intervene to prevent what they see as an unreasonable or unjust outcome based on the jury's findings.
Table of content
Legal Use & context
This term is primarily used in civil law cases, where a judge may determine that a jury's decision does not align with the facts presented during the trial. It is a crucial tool for ensuring that justice is served, particularly in cases where the jury's verdict may be influenced by emotions or misunderstandings. Users can manage related legal processes using templates from US Legal Forms, which are designed to help individuals navigate these situations effectively.
Key legal elements
Real-world examples
Here are a couple of examples of abatement:
Example 1: In a personal injury case, a jury awards a plaintiff a large sum based on emotional testimony. The judge believes the evidence does not support such a high award and issues a JNOV, reducing the amount to what they find reasonable.
Example 2: A jury finds a defendant liable for breach of contract despite clear evidence that the contract was fulfilled. The judge intervenes and issues a JNOV, stating that the jury's decision was not supported by the facts presented. (hypothetical example)
State-by-state differences
State
Judgment Non Obstante Veredicto Application
California
Judges can issue a JNOV in civil cases if the jury's verdict lacks substantial evidence.
New York
JNOV is available, but the standard for granting it is strict, requiring clear legal error.
Texas
Judges may grant JNOV in cases of insufficient evidence or incorrect legal application.
This is not a complete list. State laws vary and users should consult local rules for specific guidance.
Comparison with related terms
Term
Definition
Directed Verdict
A ruling by the judge that the jury must reach a specific verdict, often issued before the jury deliberates.
Appeal
A request to a higher court to review the decision of a lower court, which can include challenging a JNOV.
Common misunderstandings
What to do if this term applies to you
If you believe a JNOV may apply to your case, consider consulting with a legal professional for guidance. They can help assess whether the jury's verdict is legally sound. Additionally, you can explore US Legal Forms for templates that can assist you in managing the necessary legal processes.
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Judicial Discretion: High; judges have significant authority to grant JNOV
Standard: Must show insufficient evidence or incorrect application of law
Key takeaways
Frequently asked questions
JNOV stands for judgment non obstante veredicto, meaning a judgment that overrides a jury's verdict.
A judge can issue a JNOV at the conclusion of a jury trial if they believe the verdict is not supported by evidence or does not apply the law correctly.
No, a JNOV is issued by the judge after a trial, while an appeal is a request to a higher court to review a decision.