In a jury trial, a directed verdict is an order from the presiding judge to the jury to return a particular verdict. Typically, the judge orders a directed verdict after finding that no reasonable jury could reach a decision to the contrary. After a directed verdict, there is no longer any need for the jury to decide the case.
A judge may order a directed verdict as to an entire case or only to certain issues. While a motion from a party to impose a directed verdict is not often granted, it is routinely made as a means of preserving appeal rights later.
In a criminal case in the United States, a judge may order a directed verdict only for acquittal, for the ability to convict is reserved to the jury. In a civil action, a related concept to the directed verdict is that of a non-suit. A judge may decide to direct a verdict of not guilty if there is not a scintilla of evidence to prove a guilty verdict.
This concept has largely been replaced in the American legal system with judgment as a matter of law.
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