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Yes, in a civil trial or in overturning a finding of guilty in a criminal case. A judge cannot overrule a jury's finding that the defendant is not guilty.
"Judgment notwithstanding the verdict" (JNOV) is used when no reasonable jury presented with the evidence at bar could come up with the verdict it came up with.
Of course, the party that "won" the decision of the jury may appeal the JNOV.
Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 29 states
(a) Before Submission to the Jury. After the government closes its evidence or after the close of all the evidence, the court on the defendant's motion must enter a judgment of acquittal of any offense for which the evidence is insufficient to sustain a conviction. The court may on its own consider whether the evidence is insufficient to sustain a conviction. If the court denies a motion for a judgment of acquittal at the close of the government's evidence, the defendant may offer evidence without having reserved the right to do so.
(b) Reserving Decision. The court may reserve decision on the motion, proceed with the trial (where the motion is made before the close of all the evidence), submit the case to the jury, and decide the motion either before the jury returns a verdict or after it returns a verdict of guilty or is discharged without having returned a verdict. If the court reserves decision, it must decide the motion on the basis of the evidence at the time the ruling was reserved.
(c) After Jury Verdict or Discharge.
(1) Time for a Motion. A defendant may move for a judgment of acquittal, or renew such a motion, within 14 days after a guilty verdict or after the court discharges the jury, whichever is later.
(2) Ruling on the Motion. If the jury has returned a guilty verdict, the court may set aside the verdict and enter an acquittal. If the jury has failed to return a verdict, the court may enter a judgment of acquittal.
The reason the FRCP do not permit a court to set aside a jury verdict of acquittal and enter a jugment of guilty is to preserve the Sixth Amendment guarantee that all criminal defendants shall enjoy the right to a trial by jury as well as to preserve the Fifth Amendment prohibition against double jeopardy.
The reason the FRCP permit a trial court to set aside a jury verdict of guilty and enter one of not guilty, is to preserve the defendant's right not to be convicted of a crime except on evidence beyond a reasonable doubt. In the interests of justice, no trial court should let stand a verdict of guilty where the evidence does not prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
These rights apply to state courts as well as to Federal courts because they have been incorporated into the 14th Amendment because they are a fundamental part of our jurisprudence.
Note that these are the Federal court rules; however most state court rules are modeled after the Federal Rules and all will have some variation of the authority to set aside a guilty verdict.
What else can I help you with?
How often does a judge overturn a jury verdict?
Judges overturn jury verdicts infrequently, as they typically defer to the jury's decision. However, in cases where there is a legal error or misconduct, a judge may overturn a jury verdict.
Can a judge overturn a jury's decision?
Yes, a judge has the authority to overturn a jury's decision in certain circumstances, such as if there was a legal error or misconduct during the trial. This is known as a judgment notwithstanding the verdict or a new trial.
Can a judge go against the jury's decision in a trial?
Yes, a judge has the authority to overturn a jury's decision in a trial if they believe there was a legal error or insufficient evidence to support the verdict.
Can a judge overturn a jury verdict in a criminal case?
Yes, a judge can overturn a jury verdict in a criminal case through a process called a judgment notwithstanding the verdict (JNOV) if the judge believes the jury's decision is not supported by the evidence presented during the trial.
Can a judge overturn a verdict of not guilty in Arizona?
A jury verdict of 'guilty' signifies that it is probably a criminal trial. A judge cannot overturn a jury verdict in a criminal trial.
Can a judge overturn another judge's decision?
Yes, a judge can overturn another judge's decision through a process called an appeal. This typically involves a higher court reviewing the decision and either affirming or reversing it.
When an appellate Judge overturns a lower Judge's ruling can the lower Judge once again overturn the decision?
The lower court cannot overturn the higher court's decision.
Can a judge overturn a not guilty verdict?
No, a judge cannot overturn a not guilty verdict. Once a jury or judge has found a defendant not guilty, the verdict is final and cannot be changed by the judge.
Under what circumstances can a judge overrule a jury?
A judge can overrule a jury when there is a legal error in the jury's decision or if the judge believes the jury's decision is not supported by the evidence presented in the case.
Can judge overturn jury verdict?
In some legal systems, a judge has the authority to overturn a jury verdict if there are legal grounds to do so. This typically involves issues such as legal errors during the trial, jury misconduct, or the verdict being against the weight of the evidence presented. However, judges generally show deference to jury decisions and do not overturn them lightly.
Who makes the final decision in the court of law the Judge or the Jury?
In a court of law, the final decision is typically made by the judge if it is a bench trial (no jury). In cases with a jury, the final decision is made collectively by the jury based on the evidence presented and the law as instructed by the judge.
Can a judge overrule the jury's decision in a trial?
Yes, a judge can overrule a jury's decision in a trial if they believe the decision is not supported by the evidence or the law. This is known as a judgment notwithstanding the verdict.
