What is a summary judgment?

• A. A dismissal for lack of jurisdiction.
• B. A judgment granted when there is no genuine dispute of material fact and the moving party is entitled to judgment as a matter of law.
• C. A verdict by the jury on damages only.
• D. A ruling to exclude a key exhibit.

Answer: (B)

A summary judgment is a judicial decision that ends all or part of a case without a trial because there are no genuine disputes about material facts and the law favors the party asking for judgment. The moving party must show that, given the undisputed facts, they are entitled to judgment as a matter of law. The other side would need to show there is at least one genuine factual issue that a trial could resolve; if such an issue exists, summary judgment should be denied and the case proceeds to trial. In making this ruling, the judge reviews the evidence submitted (like affidavits, declarations, and depositions) and decides whether any factual question could affect the outcome. This isn’t about lack of jurisdiction, a jury deciding damages after a trial, or an evidentiary ruling to exclude a exhibit—those describe different procedural actions.