What is summary judgment?
Summary judgment is a court decision ending a case without trial because the material facts are undisputed and one party wins as a matter of law.
Summary judgment decides a case without trial when no facts are genuinely disputed.
Where the word "Summary Judgment" comes from
Summary judgment developed to dispose of cases where a trial would be pointless because no genuine factual dispute exists. The moving party must show, using evidence from discovery, that the facts are clear enough for the law to decide the case.
Why Summary Judgment matters
It saves courts and parties the cost of trial when the outcome is clear. Many cases end at summary judgment, because one side lacks evidence to support essential elements of its claim or defense.
Common confusion about Summary Judgment
Summary judgment is not a trial on the facts. The court views the evidence in the light most favorable to the non-moving party, and if a genuine dispute exists about a material fact, the motion fails and the case goes to trial, so the standard is strict.
A real-world example of Summary Judgment
A plaintiff sues for breach of contract, but the evidence shows the contract was never signed and the defendant denies it. If no evidence supports the contract's existence, the defendant moves for summary judgment, and the court grants it because the plaintiff cannot prove an essential element.
A worked example of Summary Judgment
A customer slips in a store and sues, but surveillance footage shows the customer tripped on their own shoelace and the floor was clean. The store moves for summary judgment, arguing no reasonable jury could find negligence, and the court agrees, ending the case without trial. If the footage were ambiguous, a genuine dispute would exist and the motion would fail, which is why the strength of the evidence determines the outcome.
How Summary Judgment works in practice
Gather evidence early through discovery, because summary judgment is won with documents, not arguments. When opposing a motion, point to specific evidence creating a genuine dispute, since general denials are not enough. When moving, marshal the undisputed facts and show how the law compels your victory, because a well-supported motion can end the case in months rather than years.
Questions about Summary Judgment
When is it granted?
When the evidence shows no material fact issue for trial.
Who files it?
Either party can move for it.
If denied, then what?
The case goes to trial on the disputed facts.