Rule 59.06 New Trial Where Verdict Is Against the Weight of the Evidence

When a judge decides that a jury's verdict just doesn't match the evidence presented at trial, the judge can order a new trial. This rule says that if this happens, either side in the case can ask for a different judge to handle the new trial.

This matters because it gives both sides a fresh start with someone new. The original judge already decided the first verdict was wrong based on the evidence, so having a different judge for round two helps make sure the new trial gets a clean, unbiased look. Either the person who brought the lawsuit or the person being sued can make this request, and if they do, the case moves to another judge.