directed verdict: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical / Formal
Quick answer
What does “directed verdict” mean?
A ruling by a judge in a jury trial that decides the case in favour of one party, without requiring the jury's deliberation, because there is insufficient evidence for a reasonable jury to find for the other side.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A ruling by a judge in a jury trial that decides the case in favour of one party, without requiring the jury's deliberation, because there is insufficient evidence for a reasonable jury to find for the other side.
In legal procedure, a directed verdict ends the trial, typically after the party with the burden of proof (usually the plaintiff or prosecution) has presented its case. It is a procedural safeguard against insufficient evidence proceeding to the jury.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is primarily American. In England and Wales, the comparable but procedurally distinct concept is a "submission of no case to answer" or a ruling of "no case to answer," which is made after the prosecution's evidence. A direct equivalent, "direction to acquit," may be used, but the broader procedural framework differs.
Connotations
In the US, it's a standard, though not common, part of trial procedure. In the UK, the terminology and precise mechanism differ, rooted in different legal traditions.
Frequency
Used exclusively in legal contexts in both regions. Much more frequent in US legal discourse than in UK, where alternative terms dominate.
Grammar
How to Use “directed verdict” in a Sentence
The judge [verb] a directed verdict (for/against the defendant).The defence [verb] for a directed verdict.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “directed verdict” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The judge directed a verdict of acquittal for lack of evidence.
American English
- The defense moved to have a verdict directed in their favour.
adverb
British English
- The case was decided directedly by the judge.
- The verdict was directedly entered.
American English
- The judge ruled directedly on the verdict.
adjective
British English
- The directed-verdict procedure is a safeguard.
American English
- A directed-verdict motion was filed after the plaintiff rested.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used outside of legal discussions concerning litigation or regulatory proceedings.
Academic
Used in law schools, legal scholarship, and comparative justice system studies.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Would only appear in news reports about high-profile trials.
Technical
Core term in trial advocacy, civil procedure, and criminal procedure.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “directed verdict”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “directed verdict”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “directed verdict”
- Using it to mean any quick decision (e.g., in business).
- Confusing it with a "summary judgment," which occurs before trial.
- Thinking it is a verdict reached by a jury under judicial instruction.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Typically, the party against whom the evidence is presented (the defendant) requests a directed verdict after the party with the burden of proof (plaintiff/prosecution) rests its case.
Yes, it ends the trial on the merits for that party. However, it can be appealed to a higher court.
A summary judgment is decided before a trial based on legal arguments and undisputed facts. A directed verdict occurs during a trial, after one side has presented its evidence to the jury.
Yes, but standards are very high. In US criminal law, a judge can direct a verdict of acquittal if the prosecution's evidence is legally insufficient, but can never direct a verdict of guilty due to the constitutional right to a jury trial.
A ruling by a judge in a jury trial that decides the case in favour of one party, without requiring the jury's deliberation, because there is insufficient evidence for a reasonable jury to find for the other side.
Directed verdict is usually technical / formal in register.
Directed verdict: in British English it is pronounced /dɪˈrɛktɪd ˈvɜːdɪkt/, and in American English it is pronounced /dəˈrɛktɪd ˈvɜːrdɪkt/ or /daɪˈrɛktɪd ˈvɜːrdɪkt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The judge took the case out of the jury's hands.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
"Directed" means the judge *directed* the outcome, bypassing the jury's *verdict* because the evidence pointed only one way.
Conceptual Metaphor
LAW IS A PATH (the judge redirects the path of the trial to its inevitable endpoint).
Practice
Quiz
In which situation is a directed verdict most likely?