Opinion ID: 1345931
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Standard for Directed Verdict

Text: The issue before us is whether the trial court correctly granted defendant's motion for directed verdict. See Rule 50(a), Ariz. R.Civ.P., 16 A.R.S. When considering a motion for directed verdict, a trial court must decide, as a matter of law, whether the moving party's evidence is sufficient. 2 C. Smith, Arizona Practice: Civil Trial Practice § 510 (1986). A motion for directed verdict admits the truth of the evidence offered by the opposing party, Chambers, 130 Ariz. at 607, 638 P.2d at 221, and cannot be granted if reasonable minds can differ as to the inferences or conclusions drawn from the evidence. Wagenseller v. Scottsdale Memorial Hosp., 147 Ariz. 370, 383, 710 P.2d 1025, 1038 (1985); Chambers, 130 Ariz. at 607, 638 P.2d at 221. Moreover, it is the jury's function to select which of the conflicting inferences or conclusions is the most reasonable. Wagenseller, 147 Ariz. at 383, 710 P.2d at 1038; see also P. Keeton, Prosser & Keeton on the Law of Torts § 37 (5th ed. 1984).