M.R. Civ. P. 50

(a) Judgment as a Matter of Law in an Action Tried by Jury. In an action

tried to a jury, a motion for judgment as a matter of law on any claim may be

made at any time before submission of the case to the jury. The motion shall

specify the claim or claims as to which judgment is sought and the issue or

issues as to which it is contended that the law and the facts entitle the moving

party to judgment. Before considering the motion, the court shall ascertain that

the party opposing the motion has been fully heard with respect to the issue or

issues raised. The court may grant the motion as to any claim if the court

determines that, viewing the evidence and all reasonable inferences therefrom

most favorably to the party opposing the motion, a jury could not reasonably

find for that party on an issue that under the substantive law is an essential

element of the claim.

(b) Renewal of Motion for Judgment as a Matter of Law After Trial.

Whenever a motion for judgment as a matter of law made at the close of all the

evidence is denied or for any reason is not granted, the court is deemed to have

submitted the action to the jury subject to a later determination of the legal

questions raised by the motion. Such a motion may be renewed in open court

or by service and filing not later than 14 days after entry of judgment. If a

verdict was returned the court may allow the judgment to stand or may reopen

the judgment and either order a new trial or direct the entry of judgment as a

matter of law. If no verdict was returned the court may direct the entry of

judgment as a matter of law or may order a new trial.

(c) Disposition of Appeal From Grant or Denial of Motion After Trial. If

on appeal the Law Court finds that the court has erroneously entered a

judgment as a matter of law after trial, it may reinstate any verdict and direct

the entry of judgment thereon. If on appeal the Law Court finds that the court

has erroneously denied the motion for judgment as a matter of law after trial,

it may itself direct the entry of such judgment or order a new trial.

(d) Motion for Judgment as a Matter of Law in Nonjury Case. In an action

tried by the court without a jury, a motion may be made at any time for

judgment as a matter of law on any claim. The motion shall specify the claim or

claims as to which judgment is sought and the issue or issues as to which it is

contended that the law and the facts entitle the moving party to judgment.

Before considering the motion, the court shall ascertain that the party opposing

the motion has been fully heard with respect to the issue or issues raised. If the

court finds against the party opposing the motion on any issue that under the

substantive law is an essential element of any claim, the court may enter

judgment as a matter of law against that party on that claim. Alternatively, the

court may decline to render any judgment until the close of all the evidence.