| name | jnov-motion |
| title | JNOV Motion |
| description | Drafts a Motion for Judgment Notwithstanding the Verdict (JNOV) under FRCP 50(b) or state equivalents, with alternative new-trial request. Builds element-by-element evidentiary insufficiency arguments using transcript citations and preserves the appellate record. Use when drafting JNOV motions, post-trial motions, renewed judgment as a matter of law, or challenging jury verdicts for insufficient evidence. |
| author | CaseMark |
| author_url | https://github.com/CaseMark/skills/tree/main/skills/legal/jnov-motion |
| license | Apache-2.0 |
| version | 0.1.0 |
| execution_mode | open |
| jurisdiction | us |
| practice | litigation |
| language | en |
| tags | ["drafting","motion"] |
JNOV Motion
Drafts a post-trial motion showing no reasonable jury could have reached the verdict, with an alternative new-trial request preserving appellate review.
Prerequisites
Collect before drafting:
- Court/case identifiers — jurisdiction, court, case number, parties
- Verdict details — date, claims, special findings, damage awards
- Prior Rule 50(a) motion — confirmation directed verdict was sought before jury submission (required for JNOV)
- Trial record — transcript with page:line cites, exhibit numbers, witness list
- Jury instructions — as given, refused instructions, preserved objections
- Applicable rule — FRCP 50(b) or state equivalent; filing deadline (federal default: 28 days)
- Identified deficiencies — evidentiary gaps per element (missing expert testimony, speculative damages, causation failures)
Document Structure
Caption, numbered paragraphs, Bluebook citations (unless local rules differ), signature block, proposed order.
| Section | Content |
|---|
| Caption | Title: "Motion for Judgment Notwithstanding the Verdict, or in the Alternative, for a New Trial" |
| Notice of Motion | Hearing date/manner per local rules; governing procedural rule |
| Introduction | Moving party, verdict date, claims challenged, Rule 50(a) reference, 2-3 sentence thesis |
| Background | Case history → trial proceedings → evidence with transcript cites (e.g., "Tr. 145:12-18") → verdict → prior directed verdict motions |
| Legal Standard | Controlling circuit/state authority; distinguish JNOV from new-trial standard |
| JNOV Argument | Element-by-element insufficiency (see template below) |
| New Trial Alternative | Trial errors + against-the-weight arguments (see template below) |
| Conclusion | Specific relief; alternative relief; costs; stay of execution if appropriate |
| Proposed Order | Separate signature-ready order for JNOV or, alternatively, new trial |
Core Workflow
1. JNOV Argument — Per Element
For each element the non-movant bore the burden to prove:
[Claim Name]: [Element]
Legal requirement: [Element definition + burden of proof]
Evidence presented: [Non-movant's best evidence, viewed favorably to them, with Tr. cites]
Why insufficient:
- [Gap: e.g., no expert testimony on causation where required]
- [Gap: e.g., damages testimony speculative/conclusory]
- [Gap: e.g., no documentary support for alleged agreement]
Supporting authority: [Cases granting JNOV on analogous records]
