What is the test for directed verdict?

The test to be applied on an application for a directed verdict is straightforward and well-settled. It was set out by Ritchie J. in the oft-cited decision in United States of America v. Shephard, 1976 CanLII 8 (SCC), [1977] 2 S.C.R.1067, at p. 1080. The presiding justice must determine: …whether or not there is any evidence upon which a reasonable jury properly instructed could return a verdict of guilty. The “justice”, in accordance with this principle, is, in my opinion, required to commit an accused person for trial in any case in which there is admissible evidence which could, if it were believed, result in a conviction.