Also known as: motions for judgment as a matter of law · judgment as a matter of law · JMOL · Rule 50 motion
Written by attorneys · grounded in primary & secondary sources — see below
A procedural device by which a court enters judgment when a party has been fully heard on an issue and the record supplies no legally sufficient evidentiary basis for a reasonable jury to find for that party.
Mustafa Mahmoud sued Mercury Industries after a company van struck his vehicle. He offered only his own testimony and photos of the scene. Mercury Industries moved for judgment as a matter of law after Mahmoud rested. The court granted the motion because no evidence permitted a reasonable jury to find negligence.
Maria Morales sued Matrix Technologies for breach of a supply contract. After both parties presented evidence and rested, Matrix Technologies moved for judgment as a matter of law on the damages claim. The motion specified the judgment sought and the facts showing insufficient proof. The court considered the motion before submitting the case to the jury.
Select any source to read its text and confirm it supports the definition.
Matthew Martinez sued Monarch Pharmaceuticals for unpaid change orders. After Martinez rested, Monarch moved for judgment as a matter of law on the ground that no written notices had been sent. Martinez offered no contrary evidence. The court granted the motion because the record supplied no legally sufficient basis for a reasonable jury to find for Martinez.
Miguel Mendoza sued Meridian Motors for patent infringement. The jury found infringement, but Meridian Motors renewed its motion for judgment as a matter of law. The court granted the motion after construing the patent claims as a matter of law. The ruling removed the issue from the jury despite the verdict.
Maurice Marshall sued Mercury Industries for personal injuries. The jury returned a verdict for Marshall. Mercury Industries renewed its motion for judgment as a matter of law under Rule 50(b). The court considered whether the evidence supported the verdict before deciding the motion.
Michael Miller sued Matrix Technologies after a product allegedly caused his injury. After Miller rested, Matrix moved for judgment as a matter of law supported by uncontradicted expert evidence showing no causal link. Miller offered no opposing proof. The court granted the motion because the record supplied no legally sufficient basis for a reasonable jury to find for Miller.
A party may move once the opposing party has been fully heard on the issue. The motion may be made at any time before the case is submitted to the jury. The motion must specify the judgment sought and the supporting law and facts.
Supporting sources
The court grants the motion when the record contains no legally sufficient evidentiary basis for a reasonable jury to find for the nonmoving party. Speculative or conclusory evidence alone does not meet this standard.
Supporting sources
No. The rule permits the motion once the opposing party has rested its case on the issue. The movant need not introduce evidence first.
Supporting sources
The court is treated as having submitted the action to the jury. The movant may renew the motion under Rule 50(b) after the verdict.
Supporting sources
The motion for judgment as a matter of law is made during or after trial on the sufficiency of evidence actually admitted. Summary judgment is decided before trial on the absence of a genuine dispute of material fact.
Supporting sources
…damages, Gasoline Products Co. v. Champlin Refining Co. , 283 U. S. 494 (1931), and Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 50(b)'s motion for judgment as a matter of law, see 9A C. Wright & A. Miller, Federal Practice and Procedure § 2522, pp. 244-246 (2d ed. 1995). See also Parklane Hosiery Co. v. Shore , 439 U. S. 322, 335-337 (1979) (issue preclusion…