When is a motion for Judgment as a Matter of Law (JMOL) made?

• A. Only after the jury verdict
• B. Always made during trial
• C. Only at the close of evidence
• D. After the judge instructs the jury

Answer: (B)

A Judgment as a Matter of Law motion is used to test the sufficiency of the evidence before the jury verdict. It is brought during the trial, after the opposing party has had a chance to present its evidence on the issue, and before the case is submitted to the jury. The judge determines whether there is a legally sufficient basis for a verdict for the moving party; if not, judgment is entered in favor of that party. If the motion is denied, a party can later renew the motion after the verdict, but the initial JMOL ruling happens during trial, before jury deliberation. This is why the best answer is that JMOL is made during trial. The other timings—after verdict, only at the close of evidence, or after the judge instructs the jury—do not align with the standard timing of a JMOL motion.