What is a motion for summary judgment?

A motion for summary judgment is a way for a party to ask a court to end the case without the need for a full trial. This is done when the facts of the case are not in dispute and one side believes that the facts of the case mean that the court must, by law, decide the case in their favor. This can be done at any time during the proceedings in California courts, before or after discovery and before the trial begins. When a party files a motion for summary judgment, they must provide evidence that the facts are not in dispute and that, as a matter of law, they are entitled to judgment in their favor. The opposition then has the opportunity to respond and provide evidence supporting their position, or they can simply ask the court to deny the motion. The court will then hear any arguments from both sides and make a decision on the motion based on the evidence presented. If granted, the case will be dismissed and there will be no trial. If the motion is denied, the parties will need to proceed to trial.

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What is a motion for summary judgment?

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