Overview
A motion for directed verdict is a motion asking the court to issue a directed verdict.
This motion is made before a case is submitted to the jury, and argues that no reasonable jury could find for the opposing party.
Either the plaintiff or the defendant may make this motion.
Judgment As a Matter of Law
In the federal court system, directed verdicts have been largely replaced by judgment as a matter of law (JMOL).
Federal Rules of Civil Procedure
In federal civil law, these are governed by Rule 50 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.
Federal Rules of Civil Procedure
In federal criminal law, these are governed by Rule 29 of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure.
Further Reading
For more on the motion for a directed verdict, see this George Washington Law Review article, this Florida State University Law Review article, and this Florida Bar Journal article.