What is a motion for a new trial?

A motion for a new trial is a formal request in civil procedure that allows a party to ask the court to have a trial reheard. In Arkansas, civil procedure requires that a motion for a new trial must be filed with the court within 30 days of the verdict or judgment being rendered. A motion for a new trial must be based on claims of errors that occurred during the trial that resulted in an outcome that was not in the interest of the movant. The most common grounds for a motion for a new trial is the introduction of new evidence that was not available at the original trial. This could be evidence uncovered after the trial, or evidence that was not submitted at the original trial due to an error or oversight. A party may also argue that the jury was given erroneous instructions, that the original verdict was against the great weight of the evidence, or that one of the parties unfairly influenced the jury. In Arkansas, a motion for a new trial can be granted by the trial judge or can be decided by a jury. If the motion is denied, the movant can appeal the decision to a higher court. If the motion is granted, the case will be reheard with the newly discovered evidence or argued with new instructions.

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What is a motion for a new trial?

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