DIRECTED VERDICT

When a court directs that a verdict must occur based upon essential facts presented or not presented in court. For example, the court may stop a case from proceeding after it is determined that an essential fact required to prove a case can never be proven. This is usually the case where a plaintiff presents all facts and evidence and the defendant moves the court to render a directed verdict, that even if the jury saw the evidence presented in the best manner, the plaintiff still didn’t put forth enough evidence to provide the case. For example, if a plaintiff sues the defendant for an intentional tort and proves injury but does not prove the intent required, the judge may dismiss the case because the plaintiff’s best available evidence isn’t sufficient for the jury or a judge to find in the plaintiff’s favor.