What is Judgment As a Matter of Law?
- In the American legal system, the trial jury decides disputed issues of fact, and the trial judge decides disputed issues of law. Rule 50 of the FRCP states that a trial judge may grant a motion for a judgment as a matter of law against a party if that party's claim has been fully heard by the jury and there is not sufficient supporting evidence in the record for the jury to find for that party. A party who files a motion for a judgment as a matter of law is in effect saying to the trial court that there are no factual issues to be decided by the jury and that all legal issues should be decided in the moving party's favor. In other words, the moving party is entitled to judgment as a matter of law.
- At trial, the plaintiff's case is presented first, and when the plaintiff rests at the end of his case, the defendant's case is presented. The defendant may move for a judgment as a matter of law after the plaintiff's case is presented, and the plaintiff may move for one after the defendant's case. The defendant may move for a judgment as a matter of law at this stage as well.
- Either party may file a renewed motion for a judgment as a matter of law, formerly known as a judgment notwithstanding the verdict, after the jury returns a verdict. Only parties that moved for a judgment as a matter of law prior to the jury verdict may file a renewed motion, however. In considering whether to grant a renewed motion, the trial court re-examines its prior rejection of the motion, not the jury verdict.
- Judgment as a matter of law is similar in many respects to judgment on the pleadings (Rule 12 FRCP) and summary judgment (Rule 56 FRCP). A motion for judgment on the pleadings is made after pleadings are closed (the complaint and answer are filed) and before commencement of discovery. A motion for summary judgment is filed after completion of discovery and before trial.
The applicable legal standard on a motion for judgment on the pleadings is whether the complaint or answer states sufficient facts to constitute a legal cause of action or defense. If insufficient facts are stated in the complaint or answer, the moving party is entitled to judgment as a matter of law. The applicable legal standard on a motion for summary judgment is that there is no genuine issue of material fact and the moving party is entitled to judgment as a matter of law.