What is a motion for a directed verdict?

A motion for a directed verdict is a legal request made during a trial in South Carolina. It is typically filed by the defendant or the defense attorney and is an attempt to have the judge stop the trial and dismiss the case. The motion requests an immediate judgment of not guilty for the defendant. The judge must make the determination based only on the evidence presented in the trial. Basically, the judge must decide whether the prosecution has presented enough evidence that would reasonably convince a jury that the defendant is guilty. If the judge believes the prosecution has not presented sufficient evidence to convict, then the defendant will be found not guilty and the case will be dismissed. The motion is usually used in criminal trials. It is also used in some civil proceedings or in cases where the defendant believes that the prosecutor has presented insufficient evidence. If the motion is denied, the trial will continue. If it is granted, however, the jury will be instructed to find the defendant not guilty and the case will be dismissed.

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What is a motion for a directed verdict?

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