Judgment as a matter of law

What judgment as a matter of law means

Put simply, judgment as a matter of law is part of the working vocabulary of a civil case. The short definition above covers the usual meaning. Still, a specific rule, statute or contract can give it a narrower meaning. For that reason, check how it is used in your own documents.

Where judgment as a matter of law comes up

For example, the term appears in these procedures:

• Motion for Judgment as a Matter of Law (Fed. R. Civ. P. 50(a)): a motion in a jury trial arguing that a reasonable jury would not have a legally sufficient evidentiary basis to find for a party on an issue.

How to research the term

First, read the term where it actually appears. A rule, statute or court decision may define it for its own purposes. Next, check whether your court has a local rule that uses judgment as a matter of law in a special way. Then look at recent decisions from courts in your jurisdiction. They show how judges apply the term today. Also, remember that state law can differ from federal law. For that reason, use our state procedures guide to find your state’s rules. Finally, confirm every source is current before you rely on it.

You can read the official rule text online for free.

Related legal terms

• Directed verdict: an older term for what federal courts now call judgment as a matter of law.
• Joinder: combining parties or claims in a single lawsuit.
• Judgment: the court's final decision determining the rights of the parties.
• Judgment creditor: a party who is owed money under a judgment.
• Judgment debtor: a party who owes money under a judgment.

Why precise terms matter

Courts read legal terms closely. As a result, knowing the exact meaning of a word helps you follow orders, rules and filings. Each glossary entry on Lawtopolis is short on purpose and links to the pages where the term is used.