Definition and Timing
Key Facts
- Definition: A motion for judgment as a matter of law (JMOL) is a request made by a party during a trial, asserting that the opposing party lacks sufficient evidence to support their case.
- Timing: The motion for judgment as a matter of law is typically made after a party has been fully heard on an issue but before the case is submitted to the jury.
- Legal Standard: To be entitled to judgment as a matter of law, the moving party must demonstrate that no reasonable jury could reach a different conclusion based on the evidence presented.
- Evidentiary Basis: The court must find that there is no legally sufficient evidentiary basis for a reasonable jury to find in favor of the opposing party on a particular issue.
- Controlling Law: The motion for judgment as a matter of law can only be granted if the claim or defense at issue can be maintained or defeated solely by a favorable finding on that particular issue.
- Motion Requirements: The motion for judgment as a matter of law must specify the judgment sought and provide the legal and factual basis that entitles the moving party to the judgment.
A motion for judgment as a matter of law (JMOL) is a request made by a party during a trial, asserting that the opposing party lacks sufficient evidence to support their case (LII / Legal Information Institute, n.d.). This motion is typically made after a party has been fully heard on an issue but before the case is submitted to the jury (Cornell Law School, n.d.).
Legal Standard for Entitlement
To be entitled to judgment as a matter of law, the moving party must demonstrate that no reasonable jury could reach a different conclusion based on the evidence presented (Cornell Law School, n.d.). This means that the court must find that there is no legally sufficient evidentiary basis for a reasonable jury to find in favor of the opposing party on a particular issue (Cornell Law School, n.d.).
Evidentiary Basis and Controlling Law
The court will consider the evidence presented during the trial to determine if there is a sufficient evidentiary basis for a reasonable jury to find in favor of the opposing party (Cornell Law School, n.d.). The motion for judgment as a matter of law can only be granted if the claim or defense at issue can be maintained or defeated solely by a favorable finding on that particular issue (Cornell Law School, n.d.).
Motion Requirements
The motion for judgment as a matter of law must specify the judgment sought and provide the legal and factual basis that entitles the moving party to the judgment (Cornell Law School, n.d.). This ensures that the court has a clear understanding of the grounds for the motion and can properly evaluate the merits of the request.
Citations
- Cornell Law School. (n.d.). Rule 50. Judgment as a Matter of Law in a Jury Trial; Related Motion for a New Trial; Conditional Ruling. Legal Information Institute. https://www.law.cornell.edu/rules/frcp/rule_50
- LII / Legal Information Institute. (n.d.). Motion for Judgment as a Matter of Law. LII / Legal Information Institute. https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/motion_for_judgment_as_a_matter_of_law
- Wikipedia contributors. (2023, April 22). Judgment as a matter of law. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judgment_as_a_matter_of_law
FAQs
What is a judgment as a matter of law?
A judgment as a matter of law (JMOL) is a court order that is entered when there is no genuine dispute as to any material fact and the moving party is entitled to judgment as a matter of law.
When can a party file a motion for judgment as a matter of law?
A party can file a motion for JMOL at any time before the case is submitted to the jury.
What is the legal standard for granting a motion for JMOL?
The court will grant a motion for JMOL if it finds that there is no legally sufficient evidentiary basis for a reasonable jury to find in favor of the opposing party on a particular issue.
What are the requirements for a motion for JMOL?
The motion for JMOL must specify the judgment sought and provide the legal and factual basis that entitles the moving party to the judgment.
What happens if a motion for JMOL is granted?
If a motion for JMOL is granted, the court will enter judgment in favor of the moving party.
What happens if a motion for JMOL is denied?
If a motion for JMOL is denied, the case will proceed to trial.
Can a party appeal a denial of a motion for JMOL?
Yes, a party can appeal a denial of a motion for JMOL.
What is the standard of review for an appeal of a denial of a motion for JMOL?
The standard of review for an appeal of a denial of a motion for JMOL is de novo, which means that the appellate court will review the evidence and make its own determination as to whether there is a genuine dispute as to any material fact.