A Practice Note discussing motions for a new trial in federal civil litigation. This Note explains when a new trial is appropriate under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure (FRCP) 59(a), what a new trial motion must specify, who can move for a new trial, when the motion must be filed, grounds for the motion, disposition of the motion, and appeals from the denial of a new trial. This Note also briefly discusses alternative or joint motions for judgment as a matter of law.