S.C. R. Magis. Ct. 16

(a) At the close of evidence offered by a party, if the case presents only questions of law, the court

may direct a verdict on its own motion or on motion of either party. The order of the court granting a

directed verdict is effective without any assent of a jury.

(b) If, at the close of all the evidence, a directed verdict 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 during

the trial of the case if the case is being tried before a jury. If a jury verdict is 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 if a directed verdict had been granted. A jury verdict is final if no motion for a

new trial or judgment notwithstanding the verdict is filed with the court within ten (10) days of the

rendering of the jury verdict and the court has not on its own motion ordered a new trial or directed a

verdict notwithstanding the jury verdict. However, in cases involving landlords and tenants under

Chapters 37 and 40, Title 27 of the South Carolina Code, a jury verdict is final if no motion for a new

trial or judgment notwithstanding the verdict is filed with the court within five (5) days of the rendering

of the jury verdict and the court has not on its own motion ordered a new trial or directed a verdict

notwithstanding the jury verdict.

Amended by Order dated April 29, 2015.