Legal Definitions - summary-judgment motion

A summary-judgment motion 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 the need for a full trial.

The party making the motion argues that there is no genuine dispute over any facts that are important to the case, and based on the undisputed facts, they are entitled to win as a matter of law. If the court agrees, it can issue a judgment, thereby avoiding the time and expense of a trial.

Here are some examples:

• Example 1: Breach of Contract

  Imagine a software development company, "Tech Solutions Inc.," signs a contract with a client, "Global Enterprises," to deliver a custom application by a specific date. The contract clearly states the delivery date and the payment terms. Tech Solutions Inc. fails to deliver the software by the deadline, and Global Enterprises has documented proof (emails, project logs) showing the non-delivery. Tech Solutions Inc. admits they did not deliver on time but argues the delay was due to unforeseen technical difficulties. Global Enterprises could file a summary-judgment motion, arguing that the undisputed facts (the existence of the contract, the missed deadline, and the lack of delivery) mean they are entitled to a judgment for breach of contract, regardless of the reasons for the delay, as those reasons don't change the fact of the breach itself. The court might grant summary judgment on the breach, leaving only the amount of damages to be determined.

• Example 2: Unpaid Debt

  Consider a bank suing a borrower for an unpaid loan. The bank presents the signed loan agreement, statements showing the outstanding balance, and records of missed payments. The borrower admits to signing the loan agreement and not making the payments but claims they were experiencing financial hardship. The bank could file a summary-judgment motion, arguing that the core facts—the existence of the loan, the borrower's obligation to repay, and the failure to do so—are undisputed. The borrower's financial hardship, while sympathetic, does not legally excuse the obligation to repay the loan under the terms of the contract. Therefore, the bank would argue it is entitled to a judgment for the outstanding debt as a matter of law, without needing a trial to establish these basic facts.

• Example 3: Clear Negligence in an Accident

  Suppose a driver, Mr. Smith, runs a red light and crashes into Ms. Jones's car. There are multiple independent witnesses, traffic camera footage, and Mr. Smith himself admits to the police at the scene that he was distracted and didn't see the light change. Ms. Jones sues Mr. Smith for damages. Ms. Jones's attorney could file a summary-judgment motion on the issue of liability (who was at fault). They would argue that the evidence overwhelmingly and indisputably shows Mr. Smith's negligence caused the accident. Since there is no genuine dispute about Mr. Smith running the red light and causing the collision, a trial is not needed to determine fault. If granted, the trial would then only focus on the extent of Ms. Jones's injuries and the amount of damages she should receive.