Paralegal Advanced Competency Exam (PACE) Practice Exam

What is a judgment notwithstanding the verdict (JNOV)?

1. A procedure to appeal a court ruling

2. A ruling that allows a jury to determine facts

3. A reversal of a jury's verdict due to insufficient facts

4. A ruling made after a judge's completion of a trial

The correct answer is: A reversal of a jury's verdict due to insufficient facts

A judgment notwithstanding the verdict (JNOV) is a legal ruling that occurs when a judge overturns a jury's verdict on the grounds that the jury's findings were not supported by sufficient evidence. This legal mechanism allows the judge to effectively reverse the jury's decision if it is deemed unable to stand because no reasonable jury could have reached the same conclusion given the evidence presented during the trial. JNOV is an important component of the judicial process as it ensures that jury decisions can be examined to confirm they align with the evidence and the law. In essence, it is a check on the jury's power, affirming that while juries play a critical role in adjudicating factual disputes, the final determination of the legality of the verdict lies with the judge. The other options do not accurately describe a JNOV. For example, a procedure to appeal a court ruling refers to a different process entirely—an appeal seeks to have a higher court review the decision. A ruling that allows a jury to determine facts reflects the jury's role in the trial, rather than a judge's intervention post-verdict. Lastly, a ruling made after a judge's completion of a trial could pertain to a variety of legal decisions but does not specifically define the nature of a