key term - Summary judgment motion

Definition

A summary judgment motion is a request made to the court to rule that one party is entitled to judgment as a matter of law, without the need for a trial. This motion asserts that there are no genuine disputes of material fact and that the moving party is entitled to win based on the evidence presented in pleadings, depositions, and affidavits. It can streamline the litigation process by resolving cases early, which can also facilitate negotiations and potential settlements.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Summary judgment motions can be filed by either party in a civil case, but they are commonly used by defendants aiming to dispose of claims without going to trial.
2. In ruling on a summary judgment motion, the court views the evidence in the light most favorable to the non-moving party, meaning any doubts about facts are resolved against the party seeking summary judgment.
3. If a summary judgment is granted, it results in a final decision on that issue, which can significantly limit what remains for trial, potentially leading to quicker resolution of cases.
4. Parties opposing a summary judgment motion must show that there are genuine issues of material fact that require examination by a jury or judge.
5. Appeals can be made if summary judgment is granted or denied, making it an important strategic tool within the litigation process.

Review Questions

• How does the standard for granting a summary judgment motion impact the overall civil litigation process?
  • The standard for granting a summary judgment motion emphasizes that there must be no genuine issues of material fact for the case to be decided without a trial. This impacts the civil litigation process by allowing parties to resolve cases more efficiently and reduce court congestion. When summary judgments are granted, they can eliminate unnecessary trials, saving time and resources for both the courts and litigants.
• Discuss how a successful summary judgment motion could influence settlement negotiations between parties in a civil case.
  • When one party successfully obtains summary judgment on certain claims, it can significantly shift the leverage in settlement negotiations. The party that prevails may gain confidence in their position, while the opposing party may feel pressured to settle to avoid further losses at trial. The outcome of a summary judgment can provide clarity on key issues in dispute, thus informing both parties' strategies and potentially leading to an expedited resolution through settlement.
• Evaluate the implications of relying heavily on summary judgment motions within civil litigation on access to justice for all parties involved.
  • Relying heavily on summary judgment motions can have mixed implications for access to justice. On one hand, these motions can streamline cases and prevent unnecessary trials, which benefits efficient resolution. However, this reliance may also disadvantage parties with fewer resources who might struggle to meet the evidentiary standards required to defeat such motions. If less affluent parties cannot effectively contest a motion for summary judgment due to lack of resources or legal representation, it may lead to inequities in outcomes and undermine fair access to justice.

Related terms

Motion to Dismiss:

A procedural request to the court to dismiss a case for specific reasons, often arguing that the plaintiff's complaint does not present a valid legal claim.

Genuine Issue of Material Fact: A factual dispute that may affect the outcome of a case, which must be resolved by a trial if it exists; the presence of such issues precludes summary judgment.

Affidavit: A written statement confirmed by oath or affirmation, used as evidence in court; often submitted in support of a summary judgment motion to establish facts.