What is the difference between a settlement conference and a motion for summary judgment?

A settlement conference and a motion for summary judgment are both procedural steps in civil procedure in the state of California. They are separate processes but both are designed to help a case reach a resolution without the need for a full trial. A settlement conference, also known as a settlement hearing, is an informal meeting between the plaintiff and the defendant in which their attorneys attempt to reach a compromise that satisfies both parties. It is often the last step before a trial begins, and is designed to bring the case to a close in an amicable and efficient manner. The goal of a settlement conference is to reach an agreement that both parties are comfortable with, but there is no guarantee that either party will be satisfied with the outcome. A motion for summary judgment is a motion filed by either the plaintiff or the defendant asking the court to make a ruling in their favor without a full trial. This motion is based on the facts of the case and the parties’ arguments, and the court will make its decision based on those facts and arguments alone without any witness testimony or other evidence. The party that files the motion must be able to demonstrate that the other party cannot prove its case, and if successful, it will result in a judgment for that party. In summary, the main difference between a settlement conference and a motion for summary judgment is that a settlement conference is an attempt to reach a compromise between both parties while a motion for summary judgment is a request to the court to make a ruling in favor of one of the parties based on the facts and arguments presented.

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What is the difference between a settlement conference and a motion for summary judgment?

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