Under what circumstances can a motion for a new trial be granted?

A motion for a new trial can be granted primarily due to procedural errors or jury misconduct, as these factors can significantly affect the fairness and integrity of a trial. Procedural errors refer to mistakes made in the course of the trial that violate legal standards or the rights of a party, such as errors in jury instructions, improper admission or exclusion of evidence, or violations of the rules of procedure. Jury misconduct can include instances where jurors conduct independent research, communicate with outside parties about the case, or fail to properly deliberate, thereby compromising the juror's impartiality.

The presence of these issues can lead to a conclusion that the trial did not proceed in a manner consistent with legal principles, thereby justifying a request for a new trial to ensure that each party receives a fair opportunity to have their case heard and decided upon.

While discovering new evidence after the trial can sometimes be a basis for a new trial, it must meet specific criteria and is not considered a fundamental reason for a motion as straightforward as procedural errors or jury misconduct. Similarly, a general desire for a different outcome or the length of the trial do not provide adequate grounds for such a motion. Each of these other options lacks the legal weight that direct procedural violations or misconduct carries in influencing the