Directed Verdict Legal Meaning and Definition

Here is a simplified definition of the legal term Directed Verdict.

Directed Verdict (noun):

A directed verdict is an order from the judge presiding over a jury trial that directs the jury to come to a specific verdict. This typically happens when the judge concludes that one party did not provide enough satisfactory evidence on an essential point of the case. In criminal cases, a directed verdict may only declare the defendant's acquittal but never their guilt, in order to preserve their constitutional right to a full jury trial.