What would Defendant request if the jury returns a verdict that is unreasonable based on the trial's facts?

When a jury returns a verdict that seems unreasonable or not supported by the evidence presented at trial, the appropriate course of action for the defendant is to request a judgment notwithstanding the verdict, commonly referred to as judgment nov. This legal motion acknowledges that, while a jury has rendered a verdict, the party believes that there were insufficient facts to support that verdict, essentially arguing that no reasonable jury could have reached that conclusion based on the evidence.

A judgment notwithstanding the verdict allows the judge to override the jury's decision if it is determined that the evidence and legal standards do not support the jury's findings. This mechanism is important in ensuring that due process is upheld and that verdicts are based on a reasonable interpretation of the law and factual evidence.

In contrast, options such as appealing to a higher court, requesting a summary judgment, or moving for a mistrial serve different purposes. An appeal would come into play after the case has concluded, whereas a summary judgment is a request to decide a case without a trial, based on legal arguments. A motion for a mistrial typically relates to improper conduct during the trial or issues that prevent a fair trial, rather than contesting the jury's findings. Thus, judgment notwithstanding the verdict is the most fitting response when confronting an