Which statement accurately describes a summary judgment?

Which statement accurately describes a summary judgment?

• A. It is a judgment without a trial where there is no real prospect of success for the other side.
• B. It requires a full trial regardless of prospects.
• C. It is only available in criminal cases.
• D. It requires consent of both parties.

Answer: (A)

Summary judgment is a court decision made without a full trial when there are no genuine disputes over material facts and the moving party is entitled to judgment as a matter of law. This matches the idea that the case can be resolved without trial because there is no real prospect of success for the other side. In practice, a party shows through evidence—such as affidavits, depositions, and documents—that all essential facts are undisputed, and the law will decide the outcome given those facts. If a reasonable person could not differ on the result, the court grants judgment on the legal issues, either for all claims or for specific issues. It’s a civil procedure tool, not limited to criminal cases, and it doesn’t require both sides’ consent. If genuine issues remain, the motion is denied and the case proceeds to trial.

Summary judgment is a court decision made without a full trial when there are no genuine disputes over material facts and the moving party is entitled to judgment as a matter of law. This matches the idea that the case can be resolved without trial because there is no real prospect of success for the other side. In practice, a party shows through evidence—such as affidavits, depositions, and documents—that all essential facts are undisputed, and the law will decide the outcome given those facts. If a reasonable person could not differ on the result, the court grants judgment on the legal issues, either for all claims or for specific issues. It’s a civil procedure tool, not limited to criminal cases, and it doesn’t require both sides’ consent. If genuine issues remain, the motion is denied and the case proceeds to trial.