What is a directed verdict?

• A. A ruling entered by a judge after determining that the plaintiff/prosecution failed to meet its burden and prove their case.
• B. A jury's verdict after a full trial.
• C. An appellate review of trial evidence.
• D. A judge's ruling allowing an appeal.

Answer: (A)

A directed verdict is when the judge steps in during a trial and decides that, even taking the evidence in the light most favorable to the party with the burden of proof, there isn’t enough evidence as a matter of law to prove the claim. Because the standard is legal sufficiency, the judge can rule for the other side and enter a verdict without the jury ever deciding the case. This usually happens after the party with the burden has presented its evidence and the court determines that no reasonable jury could find in that party’s favor. The other options describe a verdict after a full trial, an appellate review, or a ruling to allow an appeal, none of which capture the judge-generated judgment when the evidence fails to meet the required legal standard.