In the aftermath of a jury trial, there are instances where the verdict rendered may not align with the evidence presented. In such situations, a Motion for Judgment Notwithstanding the Verdict (JNOV) becomes a vital tool. This motion requests the court to overturn the jury’s decision, asserting that no reasonable jury could have reached such a conclusion based on the evidence.
At Courtroom5, we offer an AI-powered JNOV drafting tool to assist self-represented litigants in preparing precise and effective motions tailored to their specific cases. This tool is available exclusively with a Courtroom5 membership.
➡ Start your Motion for Judgment Notwithstanding the Verdict journey here.
What Is a Motion for Judgment Notwithstanding the Verdict?
A Motion for Judgment Notwithstanding the Verdict is a legal request made after a jury has delivered its verdict, asking the court to set aside the jury’s decision and enter a different judgment. This motion contends that the jury’s verdict was not supported by the evidence and that no reasonable jury could have arrived at such a conclusion.
In federal courts, this motion is referred to as a Renewed Motion for Judgment as a Matter of Law under Rule 50(b) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.
Challenges in Filing a Motion for Judgment Notwithstanding the Verdict
Self-represented litigants may encounter several challenges when preparing a JNOV motion:
- Understanding Legal Standards – Comprehending the specific legal criteria that justify a JNOV, including demonstrating that the evidence overwhelmingly contradicts the jury’s verdict.
- Drafting the Motion – Articulating a compelling argument that highlights the insufficiency of evidence supporting the jury’s decision.
- Adhering to Procedural Rules – Ensuring compliance with court-specific procedures, formatting requirements, and strict deadlines for filing the motion.
Effectively navigating these challenges is crucial to increase the likelihood of the court granting the JNOV.
How Courtroom5’s AI-Powered Tool Can Assist
Our Motion for Judgment Notwithstanding the Verdict drafting tool simplifies the process by guiding you through:
- Legal Analysis – Assessing whether the jury’s verdict aligns with the evidence presented and identifying grounds for challenging the verdict.
- Document Preparation – Assisting in drafting a well-structured motion that clearly outlines the discrepancies between the jury’s verdict and the evidence, adhering to legal standards.
- Ensuring Compliance – Providing guidance on formatting, content, and procedural requirements to meet court standards, reducing the risk of rejection due to technical errors.
This tool is part of a Courtroom5 membership, offering access to automated legal document drafting, step-by-step litigation guidance, and other essential resources for self-represented litigants.
➡ Start your Motion for Judgment Notwithstanding the Verdict journey now and take proactive steps to challenge unjust jury verdicts.