A directed verdict is a ruling entered by a trial judge after determining that there is no legally sufficient evidentiary basis for a reasonable jury to reach a different conclusion. The trial court may grant a directed verdict either sua sponte or upon a motion by either party. A motion for directed verdict is made by a party before the case is submitted to the jury and argues that no reasonable jury could find for the opposing party. A trial judge cannot enter a directed verdict unless there is a complete absence of proof on a material issue or if no disputed issues of fact exist upon which reasonable minds could differ.

Motions for a directed verdict are governed by Rule 50 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and Rule 29 of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure. In the federal court system, directed verdicts have largely been replaced by judgment as a matter of law. If denied, the motion can also be renewed after a jury verdict as a Rule 50b motion for judgment notwithstanding the verdict.

In effect, in both civil and criminal cases, the lawyer asks the judge to direct a verdict for the defendant. The judge will either grant or deny the motion. If it is granted, the case is over and the defendant wins. If the motion is denied, the defense is given the opportunity to present its evidence.