When a court enters judgment, the case does not always end immediately. In some situations, parties may file post-trial motions asking the court to address legal or procedural issues that arose during trial. These motions are governed by strict rules and are limited in scope.
Understanding common post-trial motions helps parties recognize what options may be available after a judgment is issued.
Motions for a New Trial
One of the most common post-trial motions is a motion for a new trial. This motion asks the court to set aside the verdict and order a new trial based on specific grounds.
Courts may consider issues such as legal error, misconduct, irregularities in the proceedings, or newly discovered evidence. A motion for a new trial is not a second chance to reargue the case, but a request to address serious problems that may have affected the outcome.
Motions to Vacate or Set Aside a Judgment
A motion to vacate or set aside a judgment asks the court to undo the judgment due to procedural defects or other qualifying circumstances. These motions often involve issues such as lack of notice, mistake, excusable neglect, or improper service.
Courts closely review these requests and require clear justification. Not every unfavorable judgment qualifies for this type of relief.
Motions to Amend or Correct the Judgment
In some cases, parties file motions to amend or correct a judgment. These motions are typically used to address clerical errors, clarify terms, or correct inconsistencies between the court’s ruling and the written judgment.
These motions do not usually change the substance of the court’s decision, but they can be important when the judgment contains errors that affect enforcement or interpretation.
Motions for Judgment Notwithstanding the Verdict
A motion for judgment notwithstanding the verdict asks the court to enter a different judgment based on the law, even though a verdict has already been reached.
These motions argue that, as a matter of law, the evidence does not support the verdict. Courts grant this type of relief only in limited circumstances.
How Post-Trial Motions Affect Appeal Rights
Post-trial motions can directly impact appeal timelines and appellate rights. In some cases, filing certain motions may extend or delay the deadline to file an appeal.
Because of this, parties must carefully consider how post-trial motions fit into their overall strategy. Filing the wrong motion or missing a deadline can limit or eliminate the ability to seek further review.
Timing and Strategic Considerations
Post-trial motions must be filed within strict deadlines, often shortly after judgment is entered. Missing these deadlines can eliminate available options and affect future remedies.
Careful evaluation is critical before filing post-trial motions. Not every judgment should be challenged, and unsupported motions may increase costs without improving outcomes.
