How is a civil trial decided?
At the conclusion of all evidence and arguments, the judge instructs the jury on the applicable law to apply to the facts. The jury will use this law when deliberating to determine liability. Once liability is determined, the judge will issue a judgment affecting the jury’s verdict.
The full process is discussed below.
What is the process for determining a civil trial?
At the conclusion of all evidence and arguments, the judge instructs the jury on the applicable law to apply to the facts.
This is known as charging the jury.
The jury charge explains the state of the law to the jury.
The jury will use this law when determining liability.
Following the jury instruction by the judge, the jury will recess to deliberate about the facts and apply them to the applicable law.
The jury must find that the facts demonstrate each element required by the statute consistent with the burden of proof.
The jury must be persuaded that the facts have merit.
After deliberation, the jury will return with a verdict of liable or not liable on all of the plaintiff’s claims.
If the jury finds liability, there may be a separate presentation of evidence by the parties regarding damages.
The jury will deliberate to determine damages to award based upon the finding of liability. The jury will then deliver the verdict to the judge.
The judge, if satisfied that all procedural requirements are met, will enter a judgment on the verdict.
The losing party will generally move the court for a directed verdict in contrast to the jury’s findings, known as a judgment non obstante veredicto.
This is also known a judgment notwithstanding the verdict or (JNOV).
Judges rarely grant JNOV motions.
At the same time, the losing party will generally request permission from the court to file an appeal to the appellate court.
If done in a timely manner, requests to appeal are routinely granted. The trial process is now closed.
The appellate court will review the losing party’s request for appeal (along with the record of trial).
If the appeal is denied, the case is closed. If the appeal is granted, the appellate process begins.
