Definition
Summary Judgment is a legal decision made by a court in favor of one party against another without a full trial. This judgment is based on the materials submitted during the pre-trial phase, including pleadings, depositions, admissions, and affidavits.
Process
A summary judgment can be motioned by either party in a lawsuit. The court evaluates the evidence to determine if there are any genuine disputes over material facts. If the court concludes that no such disputes exist and the moving party is entitled to judgment as a matter of law, it grants a summary judgment.
Legal Basis
Summary judgments are governed by rules of civil procedure, which vary by jurisdiction. For example, in the United States, Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 56 outlines the criteria and process for summary judgments in federal courts.
Types of Summary Judgment
Partial Summary Judgment
A court may issue a partial summary judgment that resolves only specific issues or claims within a larger case. This helps narrow down the matters that need to be decided during the full trial.
Full Summary Judgment
A full summary judgment disposes of the entire case, leaving no questions for trial. This is highly efficient in clear-cut cases where there is no evidence warranting further examination.
Special Considerations
Evidentiary Standards
- Pleadings: Formal statements of claims and defenses.
- Depositions: Sworn, out-of-court testimony used to gather information before trial.
- Admissions: Statements by a party acknowledging certain facts.
- Affidavits: Written statements confirmed by oath or affirmation.
Opposition
The opposing party can challenge a motion for summary judgment by showing that there are genuine issues of material fact requiring a trial. They must provide contrary evidence to persuade the court against summary judgment.
Examples
- In a breach of contract case, if the defendant admits to the breach in depositions and there are no disputes over damages, the court may grant the plaintiff a summary judgment.
- In a personal injury case, if clear video evidence shows the incident happened differently than claimed, a summary judgment may be granted to dismiss the case.
Historical Context
Summary judgment became more prominent as a method to expedite the legal process, reducing the need for lengthy trials in cases where material facts are not disputed. It stems from the common law tradition dating back to the early 20th century.
Applicability
Summary judgments are useful in civil litigation to prevent unnecessary trials, thus saving time and resources for both the courts and the involved parties. It ensures that the legal process is efficient and focuses trial time on cases requiring detailed examination of facts.
Comparisons
Summary Judgment vs. Directed Verdict
- Timing: A summary judgment can be granted before the trial begins, whereas a directed verdict occurs after the presentation of evidence.
- Basis: Summary judgment is based on pretrial documents, while a directed verdict is based on the evidence presented at trial.
Related Terms
- Motion to Dismiss: A request to dismiss a case for lack of legal grounds.
- Judgment as a Matter of Law: Similar to a directed verdict but used in the context of jury trials.
FAQs
What can be included in a motion for summary judgment?
Can summary judgment be appealed?
References
- Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, Rule 56.
- “Summary Judgment: Federal Law and Practice” by Edward Brunet and Martin H. Redish.
- American Jurisprudence, Second Edition (AmJur2d).
Summary
Summary judgment is a crucial legal tool that allows courts to quickly resolve cases without a full trial when there are no disputed material facts. It is integral to the efficiency of the legal system, ensuring that court time is devoted to cases requiring full examination. By understanding the nuances of summary judgment, legal professionals can better navigate pretrial procedures and advocate for their clients effectively.
