WordNet
n. a verdict entered by the court in a jury trial without consideration by the jury; there cannot be a directed verdict of guilty in a criminal trial
Wikipedia
In a jury trial, a directed verdict is an order from the presiding judge to the jury to return a particular verdict. Typically, the judge orders a directed verdict after finding that no reasonable jury could reach a decision to the contrary. After a directed verdict, there is no longer any need for the jury to decide the case.
A judge may order a directed verdict as to an entire case or only to certain issues.
In a criminal case in the United States, once the prosecution has closed its case, the defendant may move for a directed verdict. If granted, the verdict will be "not guilty". The prosecution may never seek a directed verdict of guilty, as the defendant has a constitutional right to present a defense and rebut the prosecution's case and have a jury determine guilt or innocence (where a defendant has waived his/her right to a jury trial and allowed the judge to render the verdict, this still applies).
In a civil action, a related concept to the directed verdict is that of a non-suit.
This concept has largely been replaced in the American legal system with judgment as a matter of law.
Usage examples of "directed verdict".
She asked for a directed verdict in favor of the plaintiff, which the judge denied.
We finish up, and before the defense begins, both sides make the standard motions for a directed verdict, and, strike me dead, Guerfoyle grants mine.
Ordinarily the defense attorney makes an automatic motion for a directed verdict of not guilty and it is just as automatically denied.
The case was dismissed, with a directed verdict in favor of the plaintiff.