77. summary judgment

What is Summary Judgment?

A summary judgment is a court ruling issued without a full trial when there are no disputed material facts and one party is entitled to judgment as a matter of law. It is typically requested through a motion for summary judgment, which argues that the evidence overwhelmingly supports one side, making a trial unnecessary.

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Key Features of Summary Judgment

✔ Used in both civil and criminal cases ✔ Granted when no genuine dispute of material fact exists ✔ Saves time and legal costs by avoiding a full trial ✔ Based on evidence such as affidavits, depositions, and official records

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Examples of Summary Judgment in Action

• A contract dispute where the defendant admits to breaching the contract, making a trial unnecessary.

• A defamation case where the plaintiff fails to present any evidence of harm, leading to summary judgment for the defendant.

• A discrimination lawsuit where the employer provides clear evidence that the termination was based on performance, not discrimination.

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5 Reference Pages for Summary Judgment with URLs

1. Legal Information Institute – Summary Judgment

   • URL: https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/summary_judgment

   • Explanation: Defines summary judgment, its legal basis, and when courts may grant it.

2. Justia – Summary Judgment Overview

   • URL: https://www.justia.com/trials-litigation/civil-procedure/motions-for-summary-judgment/

   • Explanation: Discusses summary judgment procedures, including how to file and oppose a motion.

3. FindLaw – Summary Judgment Explained

   • URL: https://www.findlaw.com/litigation/going-to-court/summary-judgment-motions.html

   • Explanation: Breaks down summary judgment, legal standards, and case examples.

4. Federal Rules of Civil Procedure – Rule 56 (Summary Judgment)

   • URL: https://www.law.cornell.edu/rules/frcp/rule_56

   • Explanation: Covers federal rules governing summary judgment, including procedural requirements.

5. Wikipedia – Summary Judgment

   • URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Summary_judgment

   • Explanation: Provides an overview of summary judgment, its use in different legal systems, and notable case examples.

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