What is Summary Judgment?
A court ruling that resolves a case or specific issues without a full trial, granted when there are no genuine disputes of material fact and one party is entitled to judgment as a matter of law.
Understanding Summary Judgment
Summary judgment motions argue that even viewing the evidence in the light most favorable to the opposing party, the outcome is clear. They can resolve entire cases or narrow the issues for trial. Defendants often file summary judgment motions to avoid trial costs.
Examples
- 1Defendant granted summary judgment when plaintiff cannot prove causation
- 2Partial summary judgment on liability, leaving damages for trial
- 3Opposing summary judgment by showing disputed facts exist
Related Terms
Motion
A formal request made to a court asking the judge to make a specific ruling or order on a particular issue in a case.
Judgment
The official decision of a court resolving a dispute and determining the rights and obligations of the parties. A judgment may award damages, grant injunctive relief, or dismiss the case.
Statute of Limitations
A law that sets the maximum time after an event within which legal proceedings may be initiated. Once the statute of limitations expires, the claim is typically barred forever.
Settlement
An agreement between parties to resolve a legal dispute without going to trial. Settlements typically involve the defendant paying the plaintiff an agreed-upon sum in exchange for dropping the lawsuit.
Discovery
The pre-trial phase in a lawsuit where each party can obtain evidence from the opposing party through various methods including interrogatories, depositions, and requests for documents.
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