Can a judge direct a verdict for the prosecution if the evidence is insufficient?

MultiRegion, United States of America

The following excerpt is from U.S. v. Rogers, 9 F.3d 1025 (2nd Cir. 1993):

The [sixth amendment right to a jury trial] includes, of course, as its most important element, the right to have the jury, rather than the judge, reach the requisite finding of "guilty." Thus, although a judge may direct a verdict for the defendant if the evidence is legally insufficient to establish guilt, he may not direct a verdict for the [prosecution], no matter how overwhelming the evidence.

Sullivan v. Louisiana, --- U.S. ----, ----, 113 S.Ct. 2078, 2080, 124 L.Ed.2d 182 (1993) (citation omitted).

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