What can a party do if they learn of new evidence from a witness days after a jury verdict?

Filing a motion for a new trial based on newly discovered evidence is an appropriate course of action when a party learns of evidence that could potentially impact the outcome of a trial after a jury verdict. In Louisiana, the law provides specific provisions regarding post-verdict actions, particularly when new evidence comes to light that was not available during the original trial.

When a party files a motion for a new trial citing this newly discovered evidence, they would need to demonstrate that the evidence could not have been discovered prior to the trial with reasonable diligence, that it is material to the case, and that it would likely produce a different result if a new trial were granted. This reflects the legal principle that the integrity of the judicial process must be maintained, and parties should have the opportunity to present all available evidence to seek fair outcomes.

The other available actions, such as requesting a retrial unconditionally or submitting an appeal, wouldn’t properly address the need to submit new evidence; they do not align with the procedural requirements set forth in Louisiana law. Additionally, contacting jurors to discuss new evidence is generally prohibited as it could jeopardize the fairness and integrity of the trial process.