What is 'summary judgment'?

Summary judgment is a procedural mechanism used in civil litigation that allows a court to make a determination on a case without the need for a full trial. It is typically invoked when there are no genuine disputes of material fact, meaning that the evidence is so one-sided that one party is entitled to judgment as a matter of law. This can significantly expedite the resolution of a case, saving time and resources for both the court and the parties involved.

The core principle behind summary judgment is to provide a means to resolve cases efficiently when a party believes that the evidence presented is overwhelmingly in their favor, and thus, a trial would not be necessary to reach a decision. The court reviews the pleadings, affidavits, and other evidence submitted to determine if there is any genuine issue for trial.

In contrast, other options describe different legal processes. A preliminary ruling on evidence admissibility, for instance, refers to a judge's decision about which evidence can be presented during the trial but does not resolve the case itself. A decision made after jury deliberation pertains to the outcome of a jury trial, where the jury weighs the evidence and reaches a verdict. Finally, a legal decision by a mediator involves alternative dispute resolution methods and does not equate to a court