When may a party move for a new trial in federal court?

When may a party move for a new trial in federal court?

• A. Within 14 days after judgment
• B. Within 60 days after judgment
• C. Within 90 days after judgment
• D. Within 28 days after judgment

Answer: (D)

In federal court, a party may move for a new trial by filing a Rule 59 motion within 28 days after the judgment is entered. The clock runs from the date the clerk enters the judgment, not from when the trial ends or when a post-trial motion is denied, and this 28-day window is generally strict. If you act before the deadline, the court can sometimes extend the time for filing for excusable neglect under Rule 6(b). If the deadline is missed, the remedy is not a new trial under Rule 59, but relief under Rule 60(b) may be available for certain grounds (like fraud, mistake, or newly discovered evidence) within the applicable time limits, though that does not grant a new trial. Therefore the correct timeframe is within 28 days after judgment.

In federal court, a party may move for a new trial by filing a Rule 59 motion within 28 days after the judgment is entered. The clock runs from the date the clerk enters the judgment, not from when the trial ends or when a post-trial motion is denied, and this 28-day window is generally strict. If you act before the deadline, the court can sometimes extend the time for filing for excusable neglect under Rule 6(b). If the deadline is missed, the remedy is not a new trial under Rule 59, but relief under Rule 60(b) may be available for certain grounds (like fraud, mistake, or newly discovered evidence) within the applicable time limits, though that does not grant a new trial. Therefore the correct timeframe is within 28 days after judgment.