A court decision in favor of one side because that side's evidence is compelling or because the other side has not clearly prevailed. A directed verdict orders the jury to return a verdict in accord with the judge's order.

In a case in which the plaintiff has failed to present on the facts of his case proper evidence for jury consideration, the trial judge may order the entry of a verdict without allowing the jury to consider it.

a verdict entered by the court in a jury trial without consideration by the jury; there cannot be a directed verdict of guilty in a criminal trial

a challenge to the sufficiency of the evidence

a decision by the trial judge, before the case is submitted to the jury, that the plaintiff's case is not supported by any evidence and accordingly that the case need not be submitted to a jury

A determination by a jury, made at the direction of the judge. A directed verdict happens in cases where there has been a lack of evidence, an overwhelming amount of evidence, or where the law is in favor of one of the parties.

If it is apparent to reasonable people and the court, that the plaintiff, by his evidence, has not made out his case, the court may instruct the jury to bring in a verdict for the defendant.

At the close of a plaintiffs case, a defendant asks the court to rule that the plaintiff has failed to put forth sufficient evidence, even when viewed in a light most favorable to the plaintiff, to support his/her claim. If the court so rules, the defendant is entitled to a dismissal without the defendant ever having to put on his/her case. Also, at the close of defendant's case, plaintiff can ask the court to rule in it's favor with a directed verdict on liability or special damages.

An instruction by the judge to the jury to return a specific verdict.

After evidence has been presented and if no issue of fact remains for the jury to determine, the judge will tell the jury what verdict to return. The jury must return that verdict. Disqualification: The condition of having been rendered unfit.

A judgment entered on the order of trial judge who takes over the fact-finding role of the jury because the evidence is so compelling that only one decision can reasonably follow.

A verdict handed down by a judge in a trial without consideration of the jury because the facts presented and the applicable law left no question as to the outcome necessary in the case. If the complaining party fails to prove a prima facie case by exhibiting the minimum elements necessary to show liability, the defendant can move for a directed verdict without offering a defense.

After evidence has been presented and if no issue of fact remains for the jury to determine, the judge must direct a verdict for the party entitled to prevail.

Instruction by judge to jury to return a specific verdict, usually because one of the parties failed to prove its case. Compare binding instruction.

In a trial, a judgment entered by the judge without allowing the jury to participate.

issued by a judge because the party with the burden of proof has not produced sufficient evidence to prove its case; results in dismissal of the case against the defendant

When a plaintiff or defendant does not present enough evidence for the jury to even consider, the trial judge may order a verdict without submitting to the jury.

A verdict for the defendant based on the court's decision that the plaintiff's case has not been proven.

In law, a directed verdict is an order from the judge presiding over a jury trial that one side or the other wins. 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.