Motion for Directed Verdict Must State Specific Grounds for Basis Granting

The Civil Rules Governing the Court of Common Pleas state: Rule 50: Motion for a directed verdict and for judgment notwithstanding the verdict. (a) Motion for directed verdict; when made; effect. a party who moves for a directed verdict at the close of the evidence offered by an opponent may offer evidence in the event the motion is not granted, without having reserved the right to do so and to the same extent as if the motion had not been made. a motion for directed verdict shall state the specific grounds therefor. The law is clear that a motion for directed verdict must state the specific grounds for the basis of granting said motion. Mather v. Voss, Del. Supr., 98 A.2d 499 (1953). A directed verdict in favor of the defendant presents a situation for the trial judge requiring the evidence to be viewed in the most favorable light to the plaintiff. Rumble v. Lingo, Del. Super., 147 A.2d 511 (1958). When considering a directed verdict for the defendant, the Court should be convinced that there is no substantial evidence to support a verdict for the plaintiff. McCarthy v. Mayor of Wilmington, Del. Super., 100 A.2d 739 (1953).