Motion for Judgment as a Matter of Law

When the motion for judgment as a matter of law is used

Timing: during a jury trial, after the party has been fully heard on the issue and before the case goes to the jury. This step belongs to the trial stage. At this point, the judge or jury hears evidence and decides the disputed facts.

What the rule requires

• A motion under Rule 50(a) may be made at any time before the case is submitted to the jury and must specify the judgment sought and the law and facts that entitle the movant to it (Rule 50(a)(2)).

In practice, read each requirement closely. Then check whether your court adds anything of its own. For example, many courts set page limits, formatting rules or a duty to confer with the other side first.

You can read the full text of Fed. R. Civ. P. 50(a) online. Also, the federal judiciary publishes the current rules and recent amendments.

The motion for judgment as a matter of law in state court

State courts follow their own rules of procedure. Many states model their rules on the federal rules, so you will often find a similar motion for judgment as a matter of law procedure. However, the name, the deadline and the required form can differ. Therefore, look up the matching rule in your state’s rules of civil procedure. Also read your court’s local rules. Our state procedures guide links to each state’s official rules.

Key terms

In addition, these terms come up often with this procedure:

• Judgment as a matter of law: a ruling that a reasonable jury would not have a legally sufficient evidentiary basis to find for a party on an issue.
• Directed verdict: an older term for what federal courts now call judgment as a matter of law.

Related procedures

Similarly, these procedures often come up alongside it:

• Renewed Motion for Judgment as a Matter of Law: a post-verdict motion renewing an earlier Rule 50(a) motion.
• Motion for a New Trial: a request that the court grant a new trial on all or some issues.

Before you rely on this page

Always read the current rule yourself instead of relying on a summary. Next, check the local rules and the judge’s standing orders, since they often add steps. Then look for recent decisions from your court that apply the rule. Finally, talk to a licensed attorney about your situation. You can find one in our directory.