In Iowa, a Motion for Judgment Notwithstanding the Verdict (NOV), or in the Alternative, for a New Trial can be filed in cases where prejudicial statements were made during the trial. This motion seeks to challenge the fairness of the trial and the ultimate verdict based on statements that may have influenced the jury unfairly. Let's explore the key details and different variations of this motion below. What is a Motion for Judgment Notwithstanding the Verdict? A Motion for Judgment Notwithstanding the Verdict is filed by the losing party after a trial has concluded, asking the court to set aside the jury's verdict and enter judgment in their favor instead. This motion asserts that the evidence presented during the trial was insufficient to support the verdict, was legally flawed, or that the court made erroneous legal decisions. The party filing the motion essentially argues that even when viewing the evidence in the light most favorable to the prevailing party, there is no basis for the jury's decision to stand. What is a Motion for New Trial? A Motion for New Trial, on the other hand, asks the court to set aside the verdict and order a new trial due to errors, irregularities, or misconduct that may have occurred during the trial. This motion can be based on a variety of grounds, including prejudicial statements made during the proceedings. Different Types of Iowa Motion for New Trial for Prejudicial Statements at Trial: 1. Motion for New Trial based on Prejudicial Statements: This type of motion argues that certain statements made during the trial were unfairly prejudicial to the party filing the motion. The statements may have influenced the jury in a way that compromised the fairness of the trial and jeopardized the proper consideration of the evidence presented. 2. Motion for New Trial based on Improper Arguments: This variation asserts that the opposing counsel made improper arguments or statements that went beyond the bounds of what is legally permissible during a trial. These arguments may have unduly influenced the jury and require a new trial to ensure a fair and just outcome. 3. Motion for New Trial based on Misconduct of Witnesses: This motion contends that witnesses engaged in misconduct during their testimony, such as making prejudicial statements or providing false information. The party filing the motion argues that the misconduct impacted the jury's ability to fairly weigh the evidence and should lead to a new trial. 4. Motion for New Trial based on Misconduct of Counsel: This type of motion asserts that the opposing counsel engaged in misconduct that prejudiced the party filing the motion. It may refer to improper statements, deceptive tactics, or other unethical conduct that affected the fairness of the trial and requires a new trial to rectify the harm caused. In conclusion, a Motion for Judgment Notwithstanding the Verdict, or in the Alternative, for a New Trial can be filed in Iowa when prejudicial statements are made during a trial. Variations of this motion may focus on different types of prejudicial situations or misconduct, including improper statements, arguments, witness misconduct, or counsel misconduct. These motions aim to address the potential unfairness of the trial and seek a just outcome for the party filing the motion.