Opinion ID: 1889108
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 8

Heading: Necessity of Directed Verdict Motion)

Text: Plaintiffs submit that Sunshine's post-judgment motion for JNOV was improper, because Sunshine had not moved for a directed verdict at the close of all the evidence. We agree. In Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Co. v. Sealy, 374 So.2d 877 (Ala.1979), the Court said: We find the procedures contained in Rule 50 devise a precise plan for attacking the sufficiency of the evidence. This plan recognizes the important role played by the trial judge in determining that sufficiency. The final step in preserving appellate review of the sufficiency of the evidence in a jury trial is the making of a timely motion for J.N.O.V. Failure to make that motion prohibits appellate review of the sufficiency of the evidence. This is one reason a motion for directed verdict must be made at the close of all the evidence. Failure to make the latter motion at the close of all the evidence precludes the party complaining of the insufficiency of the evidence from later making a motion for J.N. O.V. See Rule 50, ARCP. This preclusion, thus, prevents the appellate court from reviewing the sufficiency of the evidence in a jury trial. See Delchamps, Inc. v. Borkin, [429 F.2d 417 (5th Cir. 1970)]. For this Court to review a jury verdict on the ground there was insufficient evidence to support it, both a motion for directed verdict at the close of all the evidence and a post-trial motion for J.N.O.V. must be made. (Emphasis supplied.) 374 So.2d at 881-882. We have no alternative but to decline to review Sunshine's assertion that insufficient evidence was presented against it at trial, due to its failure to move for a directed verdict at the close of all the evidence. We hold, therefore, that the motion to dismiss the appeal filed by Sunshine Homes, Inc., is due to be, and it hereby is, denied; the judgment granting a new trial is affirmed; and the cause is remanded to the trial court for further proceedings pursuant to its order granting a new trial. MOTION TO DISMISS DENIED; AFFIRMED; REMANDED FOR A NEW TRIAL. TORBERT, C.J., and MADDOX, JONES, SHORES and BEATTY, JJ., concur.