During a civil trial, the jury rendered a verdict for the plaintiff. The defendant appeals, arguing that no reasonable jury could have found in favor of the plaintiff based on the evidence presented at trial. What is the standard of review the appellate court should apply when deciding whether to overturn the jury's verdict?
The appellate court should consider whether the trial court judge misapplied the law in instructing the jury.
The appellate court should uphold the jury's verdict if a reasonable juror could have reached the same conclusion based on substantial evidence in the record.
The appellate court should reweigh the evidence and determine if it agrees with the jury’s conclusion.
The appellate court should reverse if it finds substantial procedural errors that might have influenced the jury's decision.
The correct answer reflects an important principle of appellate review: appellate courts give deference to jury determinations of factual issues because juries are tasked with evaluating evidence and credibility at trial. Under the 'substantial evidence' standard, the appellate court must determine whether the evidence, when viewed in the light most favorable to the jury’s verdict, could have led a reasonable juror to reach the same conclusion. Incorrect answers misrepresent the appellate process: appellate courts do not reweigh evidence (as suggested in one option); procedural errors must be substantial to warrant reversal; and jury instruction errors are not the sole focus of review.
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