A party may move for a directed verdict at the close of the evidence offered by an opponent. The motion must state specific grounds in support of the motion. If the motion is not granted, the moving party may offer evidence without having reserved the right to do so, as if the motion had not been made. A motion for a directed verdict that is not granted is not a waiver of trial by jury, even though all parties to the action have moved for directed verdicts.
Rule 2.516.Motion for Directed Verdict
Current through May 1, 2026 · Last verified July 6, 2026
In one sentenceRule 2.516 lets a party move for a directed verdict once its opponent has finished presenting evidence, requires the motion to state specific grounds, and makes clear that a denied motion neither forces the moving party to rest nor waives anyone's right to a jury.
Full Text of Rule 2.516
Amendment History
Michigan tracks the orders that adopt and amend its Court Rules in a separate administrative record rather than printing a history note beneath each rule in the compiled rules text reproduced here. The text above is verified current through the source’s own May 1, 2026 update; for the full order-by-order history of this rule, see the Michigan Supreme Court’s rules and orders page.
Plain-English Summary
Once the opposing side has put on all of its evidence, a party can move for a directed verdict, asking the court to rule as a matter of law rather than send that issue to the jury. The motion has to identify specific grounds, not just a general claim that the other side hasn't proven its case, so the court and the opposing party know exactly what legal or evidentiary gap is being argued. If the court denies the motion, the moving party isn't stuck standing on the record as it stands; it can go on to present its own evidence just as though the motion had never been made. And losing a motion for a directed verdict doesn't cost anyone their right to a jury trial, even in a case where every party in the room asked for one.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I move for a directed verdict?
At the close of the evidence offered by your opponent, before you present your own case.
What does a motion for directed verdict have to include?
Specific grounds supporting it; a general assertion that the other side failed to prove its case isn't enough on its own.
If my motion for a directed verdict is denied, do I lose the chance to put on my own evidence?
No. You can still offer evidence as if you had never reserved the right to do so, and the denial doesn't force you to rest on the existing record.
Does asking for a directed verdict waive anyone's right to a jury?
No, even if every party in the case has moved for one, a denied motion for directed verdict is not treated as a waiver of trial by jury.
Source & verification. The rule text is reproduced verbatim from the
official Michigan Court Rules (MCR 2.516). Prescribed by the Supreme Court of Michigan (Mich. Const. 1963, art. VI, § 5). The plain-English summary is original and written by us. Last verified July 6, 2026. ·
Official source
Also known as: directed verdict Michiganmotion for directed verdict