Directed verdict

A verdict returned by the jury at the direction of the trialjudge, by whose direction the jury is bound. In civil proceedings, either partymay receive a directed verdict in its favor if the opposing party fails topresent a prima facie case or a necessary defense. In criminal proceedings,there may be a directed verdict of acquittal, but not a directed verdict ofconviction, which would violate the defendant's constitutional rights to a jurydetermination of guilt or innocence.