Maryland Motion for Judgment Notwithstanding the Verdict, or in the Alternative, for a New Trial is a legal procedure that allows a party to challenge a verdict or request a new trial based on prejudicial statements made during trial. This motion provides an opportunity for the court to assess whether the statements had a significant impact on the fairness of the trial and whether they warrant overturning the verdict or granting a new trial. In Maryland, there can be different types of motions for judgment notwithstanding the verdict or for a new trial related to prejudicial statements at trial. These motions include: 1. Motion for Judgment Notwithstanding the Verdict (NOV): This type of motion asserts that even though a jury has reached a verdict, it was based on insufficient evidence, legal errors, or disregarding the law. In the context of prejudicial statements, the party making the motion must argue that the statements were so prejudicial that they undermined the integrity of the trial process, leading to an unfair verdict. 2. Motion for a New Trial: This motion seeks a new trial based on prejudicial statements made during the previous trial. It can be filed if the party believes the statements had such a prejudicial impact that it affected the fairness of the trial and ultimately the outcome. The moving party has the burden of showing that the prejudicial statements substantially influenced the outcome of the case. In support of a Maryland Motion for Judgment Notwithstanding the Verdict, or in the Alternative, for a New Trial related to prejudicial statements at trial, relevant arguments may include: 1. Prejudicial Impact: The party must demonstrate that the statements made during trial were highly inflammatory, biased, or unfairly influenced the jury, making it impossible for the defendant to receive a fair trial. This can include statements intended to evoke strong emotional responses from the jury or to improperly sway their opinions. 2. Negligible Remedial Measures: If the prejudicial statement was made by opposing counsel, the moving party may argue that any curative instructions provided by the judge were inadequate to rectify the issue. The ineffective remedial measures could reinforce the need for a new trial or judgment to correct the harm caused by the prejudicial statements. 3. Substantial Impact on Outcome: The moving party must establish that the prejudicial statements were of such significance that they substantially affected the verdict. This can be demonstrated by showing that the statements were central to the issues in the case or that they influenced the jury's perception of key evidence or witnesses. 4. Preservation of Objections: It is crucial to highlight that objections were properly and timely made during the trial to preserve the issue for review. Failure to raise objections might limit the chances of success in a motion for judgment notwithstanding the verdict or for a new trial. In conclusion, a Maryland Motion for Judgment Notwithstanding the Verdict, or in the Alternative, for a New Trial related to prejudicial statements at trial allows a party to challenge a verdict or request a new trial based on statements that impacted the fairness of the trial. The motion can take the form of a NOV or a motion for a new trial, both requiring the moving party to prove the prejudicial impact and its substantial influence on the outcome of the case. Proper preservation of objections during trial is vital to the success of such a motion.