N.O.V. Definition and Legal Meaning

On this page, you'll find the legal definition and meaning of N.O.V., written in plain English, along with examples of how it is used.

What is N.O.V.?

adj. Acronym for the Latin phrase “non obstante veredicto” which means “notwithstanding the verdict.” This refers to a judge’s decision to reverse a jury’s decision in favor of one lawsuit’s party or a guilty verdict that the judge feels is not supported by the facts and/or the law. The reversal is called a “judgment N.O.V. and granting a motion for this ruling means that the court recognizes its failure to properly direct the jury to reach the proper decision.

History and Meaning of N.O.V.

N.O.V. is an acronym for the Latin phrase "non obstante veredicto," which literally means "notwithstanding the verdict." In legal terms, an N.O.V. refers to a judge's decision to overturn a jury's verdict when the judge deems that the verdict is not supported by the law or the facts of the case. An N.O.V. is a way for the judge to correct errors made by the jury or to prevent a miscarriage of justice.

The concept of an N.O.V. has been part of the U.S. legal system since the early 20th century, and it is a common procedure in both civil and criminal cases. The standard for granting an N.O.V. is high, and it requires the judge to find that no reasonable jury could have reached the verdict that was rendered.

Examples of N.O.V.

  1. In a personal injury case, the jury awards the plaintiff $500,000 in damages, but the judge grants an N.O.V. because there is no evidence to support the plaintiff's claim.

  2. In a criminal trial, the jury finds the defendant guilty of murder, but the judge grants an N.O.V. because the prosecution failed to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt.

  3. In a breach of contract case, the jury awards the plaintiff $50,000 in damages, but the judge grants an N.O.V. because the plaintiff failed to prove that the defendant breached the contract.

Legal Terms Similar to N.O.V.

  1. Directed verdict - Similar to an N.O.V., a directed verdict is a judge's decision to rule in favor of one party before the case goes to the jury. A directed verdict is typically granted when there is insufficient evidence to support a party's claim.

  2. JNOV - Judgment notwithstanding the verdict (JNOV) is a similar legal concept that allows a judge to reverse a jury's decision after the verdict is rendered. JNOV is commonly used in civil cases.

  3. Summary judgment - Summary judgment is a procedural option that allows a judge to rule in favor of one party before the case goes to trial. Summary judgment is granted when there is no genuine dispute of material fact and the moving party is entitled to judgment as a matter of law.