Question: can a judge overturn a jury verdict in a criminal case

Answer: No, A judge is not allowed to enter a JNOV of ``guilty'' following a jury acquittal in United States criminal cases; such an action would violate a defendant's Fifth Amendment right not to be placed in double jeopardy and Sixth Amendment right to a trial by jury. If the judge grants a motion to set aside judgment after the jury convicts, however, this action may be reversed on appeal by the prosecution.