diff --git a/routes.py b/routes.py
index 7617a70..21c8771 100644
--- a/routes.py
+++ b/routes.py
@@ -45,7 +45,7 @@ def post():
 			course_ratings[course] = ratings[course]
 
         # output in JSON if they request it as such 
-        if request.form['json'] == 'true':
+        if 'json' in request.form and request.form['json'] == 'true':
                 return json.dumps(course_ratings)
 
 	# Handle empty search