Legal Definitions - MSJ

A Motion for Summary Judgment (MSJ) is a formal request made by one party in a lawsuit asking the court to rule in their favor on some or all of the claims without needing a full trial. This motion is typically filed when the party believes that there are no genuine disputes about the important facts of the case, and based on those undisputed facts, the law clearly dictates that they should win.

If the court grants an MSJ, it means that a trial is unnecessary because there's nothing for a jury or judge to decide regarding the facts; only how the law applies to those agreed-upon facts. This can save both parties significant time and expense by avoiding a lengthy trial process.

Here are a few examples to illustrate how an MSJ might be used:

• Example 1: Undisputed Contract Breach

  Imagine a small business, "Creative Designs Inc.," sues a client, "Tech Solutions LLC," for non-payment of a website development project. Creative Designs Inc. presents a signed contract detailing the work and payment schedule, along with emails confirming project completion and invoices that Tech Solutions LLC never paid. Tech Solutions LLC admits they haven't paid but offers no legal defense, only stating they "ran out of budget."

  How it illustrates MSJ: Creative Designs Inc. could file an MSJ. The existence of the contract, the completion of the work, and the non-payment are all undisputed facts. Since Tech Solutions LLC has no valid legal defense for non-payment, the court could grant the MSJ, ruling that Tech Solutions LLC owes the money without the need for a full trial to determine liability.

• Example 2: Clear-Cut Liability in an Accident

  Consider a car accident where Driver A rear-ends Driver B at a stoplight. The police report clearly states Driver A admitted fault at the scene, and multiple independent witnesses confirm Driver A was distracted by their phone. Driver B sues Driver A for damages. Driver A's lawyer might dispute the *amount* of damages Driver B is claiming, but not the *fact* that Driver A caused the collision.

  How it illustrates MSJ: Driver B could file an MSJ on the issue of liability (who was at fault). Given the undisputed evidence of Driver A's negligence (admission, witness statements, police report), the court could grant the MSJ, establishing Driver A's liability without a trial. The case might then proceed to a trial or settlement negotiations solely to determine the extent of Driver B's damages.

• Example 3: Property Easement Dispute

  A homeowner, Mr. Henderson, sues his neighbor, Ms. Patel, for blocking a shared driveway that Mr. Henderson claims is a legally established easement for access to his garage. Mr. Henderson provides a copy of his property deed, which explicitly grants an easement over Ms. Patel's land for driveway access. Ms. Patel admits to placing a fence across the driveway but argues she "didn't like" Mr. Henderson using her property.

  How it illustrates MSJ: Mr. Henderson could file an MSJ. The existence of the recorded easement in the deed and Ms. Patel's action of blocking it are undisputed facts. Ms. Patel's personal dislike is not a legal defense against a valid, recorded easement. The court could grant the MSJ, confirming Mr. Henderson's right to use the driveway without a trial, and order Ms. Patel to remove the obstruction.