Lesson 10: Summary Judgment, Directed Verdict, Attacks on the Verdict, Enforceability of Judgments, Introductions to Appeals

Question 1

Motion for Summary Judgment (Rule 56)

Answer 1

Summary judgment shall be granted if there is no genuine issue as to any material fact, and on the basis of the undisputed facts, the moving party is entitled to a judgment as a matter of law.

Question 2

Motion for Directed Verdict (Motion for Judgment as a Matter of Law)

Answer 2

A motion for directed verdict should be granted if the court, considering the evidence in the light most favorable to the non-movant, properly determines that a reasonable jury could not decide the case in the non-movant’s favor.

Question 3

Motion for Judgment Notwithstanding The Verdict (Renewed Motion for Judgment as a Matter of Law)

Answer 3

A motion for judgment notwithstanding the verdict should be granted if the court, considering the evidence in the light most favorable to the non-movant, properly determines that no reasonable jury would have decided the case in the way the jury did.