ABA Family Legal Guide

How the Legal System Works

The Civil Trial: Step by Step

Verdicts

Is there anything to prevent the jury from deliberating on the case after each side has finished presenting its case?

Yes. Sometimes, before turning the case over to the jury, the judge will consider either side's motion to direct a verdict in its favor. A directed verdict removes the need for the jury to determine whether the defendant is liable, but such a ruling is only appropriate when the court is persuaded that a reasonable jury could decide the case in only one way. The court may grant, deny, or, more likely, reserve (postpone) ruling on such a motion until after the jury has rendered a verdict. If the jury rules against the party who requested the directed verdict, the judge can still overrule the jury's decision by granting a motion for judgment notwithstanding the verdict.