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Motion for Judgment Notwithstanding the Verdict/Motion for Judgment N.O.V

Understanding Motion for Judgment Notwithstanding the Verdict/Motion for Judgment N.O.V: A Comprehensive Guide

Q: What is the purpose of a JNOV motion?

The purpose is to ask the court to overturn a jury&#039;s verdict due to insufficient evidence supporting that verdict.

Q: How long do I have to file a JNOV motion?

The filing period varies by state but is typically between 15 to 30 days after the verdict.

Q: Can I file a JNOV motion if I did not request a directed verdict?

In most cases, you must have requested a directed verdict during the trial to file a JNOV motion.

Definition & Meaning

A motion for judgment notwithstanding the verdict (often abbreviated as JNOV) is a legal request made by a party in a lawsuit. This motion asks the court to overturn a jury's verdict and rule in favor of the moving party, arguing that there is not enough evidence to support the jury's decision. Typically, this motion must be filed in writing and include specific reasons for seeking this relief. It is important to note that many jurisdictions require the party to have previously requested a directed verdict, with similar grounds for both motions.

Table of content

Legal Use & context

The motion for JNOV is primarily used in civil cases where a jury has rendered a verdict. It is a mechanism to challenge the sufficiency of the evidence presented during the trial. This motion is commonly seen in personal injury, contract disputes, and other civil litigation contexts. Users can manage this process with the right legal templates from US Legal Forms, which are drafted by experienced attorneys to ensure compliance with local rules.

Key legal elements

Real-world examples

Here are a couple of examples of abatement:

(Hypothetical example) In a personal injury case, a jury awards the plaintiff $100,000. The defendant believes that the evidence presented does not support the jury's decision. The defendant files a motion for JNOV, arguing that the plaintiff failed to prove negligence. If the court agrees, it may grant the motion and rule in favor of the defendant.

State-by-state differences

Examples of state differences (not exhaustive):

State	Requirement for JNOV
California	Must file within 15 days after the verdict.
New York	Must be made within 15 days of receiving the verdict.
Texas	Must file within 30 days after the judgment is signed.

This is not a complete list. State laws vary, and users should consult local rules for specific guidance.

Comparison with related terms

Term	Definition	Key Difference
Directed Verdict	A ruling by the judge that the evidence is insufficient to support a verdict for one party.	Directed verdict occurs before the jury's decision, while JNOV occurs after.
Appeal	A request to a higher court to review the decision of a lower court.	Appeals are based on legal errors, while JNOV is based on the sufficiency of evidence.

Common misunderstandings

What to do if this term applies to you

If you believe a JNOV motion applies to your case, consider the following steps:

Review the jury's verdict and the evidence presented during the trial.
Consult with a legal professional to determine the viability of filing a JNOV motion.
Utilize US Legal Forms to access templates that can help you draft your motion.

In complex cases, seeking professional legal assistance is recommended to navigate the process effectively.

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Quick facts

Typical filing period: Varies by state, usually within 15-30 days after the verdict.
Jurisdiction: Civil cases decided by a jury.
Possible outcomes: Overturn the jury's verdict or deny the motion.