A party who moves for a directed verdict at the close of the evidence offered by an opponent may offer evidence in the event that the motion is not granted, without having reserved the right to do so and to the same extent as if the motion had not been made. A motion for a directed verdict which is not granted is not a waiver of trial by jury even though all parties to the action have moved for directed verdicts. A motion for a directed verdict shall state the specific grounds therefor. The order of the court granting a motion for a directed verdict is effective without any assent of the jury.
Rule 50.01.Motion for directed verdict.
Current through June 18, 2026 · Last verified July 9, 2026
In one sentenceRule 50.01 lets a party move for a directed verdict at the close of an opponent's evidence, requires the motion to state specific grounds, and confirms that a denied motion never waives the right to a jury trial or forfeits the right to present evidence afterward.
Full Text of Rule 50.01
Amendment History
The source reproduced here (current through June 18, 2026) records no amendment to this rule since its original adoption — no History line appears for it in the compiled rules. For the underlying adopting order and any later amendments, see the West’s Rules & Procedures.
Plain-English Summary
A directed verdict asks the judge to decide the case, or part of it, without sending it to the jury, because the evidence points only one way. Rule 50.01 lets any party make that motion after the other side has finished presenting its evidence.
Making the motion carries no penalty if the judge turns it down. The moving party can go ahead and present its own witnesses and exhibits, exactly as if it had never asked for a directed verdict. And if every party in the case moves for a directed verdict and the judge denies all of them, the case still goes to the jury -- nobody has given up the right to a jury trial by asking the judge to skip it.
The rule does add one requirement: the motion has to say what its specific grounds are. A general request for a directed verdict, without explaining why the evidence supports one, does not satisfy the rule. Once the judge grants a directed verdict, the order takes effect on its own -- the jury does not need to agree to it or sign off.
Frequently Asked Questions
If my motion for a directed verdict is denied, can I still put on my evidence?
Yes. Rule 50.01 says a party who moved for a directed verdict at the close of an opponent's evidence can still offer its own evidence if the motion is not granted, to the same extent as if the motion had never been made.
Does moving for a directed verdict give up my right to a jury trial?
No. A motion for a directed verdict that is not granted is not a waiver of trial by jury, even if every party in the case has made the same motion.
What has to be in a motion for a directed verdict?
The motion must state the specific grounds for it. A bare request for a directed verdict, without stating why, does not meet the rule's requirement.
Source & verification. The rule text is reproduced verbatim from the
official Kentucky Rules of Civil Procedure (Ky. R. Civ. P. 50.01). Prescribed by the Supreme Court of Kentucky (Ky. Const. § 116). The plain-English summary is original and written by us. Last verified July 9, 2026. ·
Official source
Also known as: directed verdict motion kentuckymotion for directed verdict CR 50.01do I waive jury trial by moving for directed verdictgrounds for a directed verdict kentuckypresenting evidence after directed verdict denied