Define: Summary-Judgement Motion

Summary-Judgement Motion
Summary-Judgement Motion
Quick Summary of Summary-Judgement Motion

A summary-judgement motion is a court request to make a decision without a trial when there is insufficient evidence to support a verdict in favor of the non-moving party. The party making the motion must demonstrate the absence of evidence on a crucial aspect of the opposing party’s claim. Subsequently, the burden shifts to the opposing party to present evidence that raises a legitimate factual dispute. If a party files a motion for summary judgement regarding their own claim or defence, they must establish each element of the claim or defence as a legal matter.

Full Definition Of Summary-Judgement Motion

A summary-judgement motion is a request to the court to make a judgement without a trial because there is no genuine issue of material fact to be decided by a fact-finder. This means that the evidence presented is not enough to support a verdict in favour of the nonmovant. For instance, if a defendant believes that there is no evidence supporting the plaintiff’s claim, they can file a summary-judgement motion. In their motion, the defendant must point out the absence of evidence on an essential element of the plaintiff’s claim. The burden then shifts to the plaintiff, who must provide evidence that raises a genuine factual issue. If the plaintiff fails to do so, the court may enter a judgement in favour of the defendant without a trial. It’s important to note that if a party moves for summary judgement on their own claim or defence, they must establish each element of the claim or defence as a matter of law. Overall, a summary-judgement motion is a way to efficiently resolve a case when there is no genuine issue of material fact to be decided by a fact-finder.

Summary-Judgement Motion FAQ'S

A summary judgement motion is a legal procedure used to resolve a case without a trial. It allows one party to ask the court to rule in their favour based on the evidence presented, arguing that there are no genuine issues of material fact and that they are entitled to judgement as a matter of law.

A summary judgement motion can be filed after the completion of discovery, when both parties have had the opportunity to gather and present evidence. It is typically filed when one party believes that there are no genuine issues of material fact and that they are entitled to judgement as a matter of law.

The standard of review for a summary judgement motion is whether there are any genuine issues of material fact that would require a trial. The court will review the evidence presented and determine if there is enough evidence to support a reasonable jury finding in favour of the non-moving party.

If a summary judgement motion is granted, it means that the court has determined that there are no genuine issues of material fact and that the moving party is entitled to judgement as a matter of law. The case will be resolved without a trial, and the court will enter a judgement in favour of the moving party.

If a summary judgement motion is denied, it means that the court has determined that there are genuine issues of material fact that need to be resolved at trial. The case will proceed to trial, where the parties will present their evidence and arguments to a jury or judge, who will then make a final decision.

In a summary judgement motion, the court will consider all evidence presented by the parties, including documents, witness statements, expert opinions, and any other relevant evidence. The court will review the evidence to determine if there are any genuine issues of material fact that would require a trial.

Yes, a summary judgement motion can be filed in any type of case, including civil, criminal, and administrative cases. However, the specific rules and procedures for filing a summary judgement motion may vary depending on the jurisdiction and the type of case.

A summary judgement motion can be filed after the completion of discovery, when both parties have had the opportunity to gather and present evidence. It is typically filed when one party believes that there are no genuine issues of material fact and that they are entitled to judgement as a matter of law.

Yes, a party can appeal the decision on a summary judgement motion if they believe that the court made an error in granting or denying the motion. The appellate court will review the record and the arguments presented by the parties to determine if the trial court’s decision was correct.

Yes, a summary judgement motion can be used to dismiss a case if the court determines that there are no genuine issues of material fact and that the moving party is entitled to judgement as a matter of law. However, it is important to note that not all summary judgement motions result in the dismissal of a case.

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This site contains general legal information but does not constitute professional legal advice for your particular situation. Persuing this glossary does not create an attorney-client or legal adviser relationship. If you have specific questions, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.

This glossary post was last updated: 3rd May 2024.

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