What is a summary judgment in civil litigation?

A summary judgment in civil litigation is a legal action that allows a judge to decide a legal dispute without a trial. In Florida, a judge may grant a summary judgment if they find that there are no genuine issues of material fact in the case; that is to say, the judge can see no reason why the case should proceed to trial. To grant a summary judgment, the judge must review the evidence and arguments presented by each side and decide if the evidence is clear enough that the court can make a fair decision without hearing the full argument in a trial. If a judge finds that the defendant’s argument is strong enough to grant a summary judgment, it will put an end to the dispute and a judgment will be issued in favor of the defendant. The court’s ruling is usually final and the plaintiff cannot appeal it. A summary judgment can be a beneficial decision for the defendant, as it can save time and money that would have gone in to a trial. On the other hand, it can be disadvantageous for the plaintiff, as it prevents the issue from being heard in full.

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