Directed verdict

A verdict taken away from a jury by a trial judge. The judge usually makes that decision when one of the parties has not proved his/her/its case as a matter of law. (Example: After seven days of a case being heard by a jury, a judge intercepted the jury deliberating by making a judgment in Irwin Barkan v. Dunkin' Donuts - BMM: Judge Rules against Dunkin Donuts Franchisee in Jury Trial)