What Is Summary Judgment, and What Does It Mean for Your Case?

Summary judgment allows a court to decide a lawsuit without a full trial when there are no significant factual disputes between the parties. The judge reviews the evidence and determines whether one side is entitled to win under the law. Although the process happens before trial, a summary judgment can have the same legal effect as a final judgment after a trial.

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What Is Summary Judgment?

In general litigation, a summary judgment is a pre-trial motion that allows a judge to resolve a case without holding a trial.

The party requesting summary judgment argues that there is no genuine dispute as to any material fact and that the law entitles them to judgment. This process is governed by Rule 56 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure for federal courts, and state courts have similar rules.

To make that decision, the judge reviews evidence already collected during the discovery phase, including depositions, affidavits, documents, and admissions made by the parties. The court is not deciding who is telling the truth or whose evidence is more persuasive. Instead, the judge asks whether the record presents a triable issue of fact that requires a factfinder to resolve. If the answer is no, summary judgment may be appropriate.

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How Does Summary Judgment Work?

A summary judgment begins when one of the parties files a motion with the court. Either the plaintiff or defendant can file a motion for summary judgment.

The party requesting it has the burden of showing there are no genuine issues of material fact requiring a trial and that they are entitled to judgment as a matter of law. Depending on the issues involved, the court may schedule a summary judgment hearing before issuing a decision.

The nonmoving party can make several arguments. They can present facts showing an issue of material fact. They can show that the established evidence supports their version of events and not the claimant’s version. Nonmovants could also argue that the law doesn’t support summary judgment.

The judge will review the arguments presented by each party, the evidence, and applicable law. When reviewing the case, the judge will view the disputed facts in favor of the nonmoving party. If no reasonable jury could rule for that party, the court may grant summary judgment.

In some cases, the judge may grant partial summary judgment, resolving only certain claims or legal issues while allowing the rest of the lawsuit to continue.

When Will a Court Grant Summary Judgment?

A judge may issue a summary judgment ruling where there is no genuine dispute over the important facts. Even if the parties disagree about what happened, summary judgment can be granted if the evidence, viewed in the nonmoving party’s favor, would not allow a reasonable fact finder to decide for that party.

What the parties often dispute at summary judgment is whether the law requires a trial on the facts supported by the record. There is also documentation or evidence that supports the undisputed facts. The law will clearly favor one side.

Additionally, the party opposing the summary judgment cannot prove the essential elements of their claim. For example, they can’t present the evidence needed to prove negligence in a personal injury case. Alternatively, a defendant cannot establish a necessary defense.

When Will Summary Judgment Be Denied?

A judge may deny summary judgment if there is a genuine dispute over a material fact. Cases involving credibility issues often proceed to trial because a jury must decide which testimony to believe.

Denying summary judgment does not mean the moving party lost the case. It only means the case continues. A denial of summary judgment is more likely if there are conflicting witness statements or the parties disagree on key event facts.

Does Summary Judgment Have the Same Effect as a Trial Verdict?

A summary judgment can result in a court judgment without a trial. If it resolves all claims, it can have the same legal effect as a final judgment after a trial. If the court grants summary judgment only on certain claims or issues, the case continues on what remains. The losing party may become legally responsible for the outcome just as they would after losing at trial.

The difference is the burden of proof used and who makes the determination. A jury may be the one deciding disputed facts in a trial. During a summary judgment, the judge decides whether the summary judgment standard has been met.

What Does Summary Judgment Mean for the Plaintiff?

For a plaintiff, summary judgment can either move a case closer to resolution or bring it to an abrupt end. If the court grants summary judgment in the plaintiff’s favor, the judge has determined that the evidence and the law support the plaintiff’s claim without the need for a trial. In some cases, the ruling establishes the defendant’s liability, leaving only issues such as damages to be decided. In others, the court may resolve the entire lawsuit.

If the court grants summary judgment for the defendant instead, the plaintiff’s claim may be dismissed before trial. Depending on the ruling, the plaintiff may no longer be able to pursue that claim in the current case. Sometimes the court resolves only certain claims while allowing others to continue, meaning the lawsuit moves forward on a narrower set of issues.

What Does Summary Judgment Mean for the Defendant?

A defendant may seek summary judgment to avoid the time and expense of a trial. If the motion is granted, the court may dismiss some or all of the plaintiff’s claims, potentially bringing the lawsuit to an end without a jury ever hearing the case.

If the court denies the defendant’s motion or grants summary judgment for the plaintiff on certain issues, the case does not necessarily end. The lawsuit may continue to trial on any remaining claims or unresolved questions. Even when the court rules against a defendant on part of the case, the defendant may still present defenses and legal arguments on the remaining issues.

How Is a Summary Judgment Enforced?

A summary judgment becomes a formal court judgment. The winning party can use standard procedures to enforce their judgment.

Depending on the type of case and jurisdiction, their enforcement efforts could include collecting money damages or entering a judgment lien. A summary judgment itself does not automatically transfer money or property. The winning party would need to take additional legal steps for collection.

Can a Summary Judgment Be Appealed or Challenged?

A summary judgment ruling is not always the end of the lawsuit. Whether a party can appeal right away depends on whether the court entered a final judgment that resolves all claims, or whether the ruling was only partial and the case is still ongoing.

Appeals generally focus on whether the court applied the law correctly, not on presenting new evidence. Depending on jurisdiction and circumstances, parties may request reconsideration or relief from judgment.

There may also be additional jurisdiction-specific relief. Appellate courts review whether summary judgment was appropriate under the legal standard.

Seek Legal Advice

Summary judgment allows a court to resolve a lawsuit without a trial when there are no genuine disputes over material facts. Working with an attorney can help ensure your position is properly presented and that you understand the potential consequences of the court’s decision.

If you need legal guidance, use the Super Lawyers directory to connect with an experienced attorney.