Not every civil dispute proceeds to trial. In many cases, courts resolve claims before a jury is empaneled through a procedure known as summary judgment. This mechanism allows a court to determine whether a genuine dispute of material fact exists.
Summary judgment functions as a filtering device. It prevents cases from advancing when the law does not require a trial to resolve them.
Summary Judgment Tests for Genuine Factual Disputes
The central question is whether there is a genuine dispute over material facts. If the evidence shows no meaningful factual disagreement that would affect the outcome, the court may decide the case as a matter of law.
This process focuses on whether a trial is necessary, not whether one party feels strongly about the facts.
The Moving Party Bears an Initial Burden
The party requesting summary judgment must demonstrate that there is no triable issue of material fact. This often involves presenting declarations, documents, and other admissible evidence.
If this initial burden is not met, the motion fails without shifting further responsibility.
The Burden Then Shifts to the Opposing Party
Once the moving party satisfies its obligation, the opposing side must show that a genuine factual dispute exists. Mere argument or speculation is insufficient.
Courts require specific facts supported by admissible evidence to establish that trial is warranted.
Legal Sufficiency Can Resolve a Case Without Trial
Summary judgment allows courts to determine whether the law supports the claim even if the underlying events occurred as described. If the facts, taken in the light most favorable to the opposing party, still do not establish liability, the case may be resolved without trial.
This ensures that trials are reserved for disputes requiring factual determination.
Evidence Must Be Admissible
Courts evaluate whether the evidence submitted could be presented at trial. Unsupported assertions, hearsay, or conclusory statements are typically insufficient.
The focus is on whether competent evidence creates a triable issue.
Summary Judgment Promotes Judicial Efficiency
By resolving cases that do not present genuine factual disputes, summary judgment conserves judicial resources and limits unnecessary trial proceedings.
It operates as a procedural gatekeeping tool, ensuring that only disputes requiring factual resolution proceed to trial.
