A directed verdict is a procedure used by judges during trial to dismiss one or more claims when the party with the burden of proof (plaintiff) has failed to introduce evidence that is sufficient for a reasonable jury to find in favor of the party with the burden of proof. A directed verdict is like a summary judgment, but happens during trial rather than before trial.

In Georgia, a directed verdict is a legal mechanism governed by the Georgia Civil Practice Act, specifically under O.C.G.A. § 9-11-50. This procedure allows a judge to rule on the merits of a case without the need for the issue to be decided by a jury. A directed verdict may be granted during a trial when the judge determines that there is no legally sufficient evidentiary basis for a reasonable jury to find in favor of the non-moving party. In other words, if after the plaintiff has presented their case, and the evidence is insufficient to warrant a jury's verdict, the judge can direct a verdict in favor of the defendant. Similarly, a directed verdict may be requested by the defendant after the presentation of the plaintiff's evidence or after the close of all evidence. If the judge finds that the evidence does not support the plaintiff's claim, the judge can direct a verdict without submitting the case to the jury. This is akin to a summary judgment, which is decided before a trial begins, but a directed verdict occurs after the trial has commenced and typically after the plaintiff has presented their case.