What is the typical outcome when there is no genuine dispute of material fact in a case?

• A. Summary judgment.
• B. A jury trial.
• C. A default judgment.
• D. An order to reissue discovery.

Answer: (A)

When there are no genuine disputes about material facts, the case can be decided on law alone through a summary judgment. This means the judge can resolve the claims without a trial because the facts necessary to prove liability or defenses are undisputed, so there’s nothing a jury would need to weigh. The party asking for summary judgment must show that, even viewing evidence in the light most favorable to the nonmoving side, there’s no real factual issue to try. If the court agrees, it grants judgment for that party on the claims, or the entire case, without a trial. A jury trial would be needed only if there are factual questions that require a jury to resolve. A default judgment arises when a party fails to respond or appear, not from a lack of factual disputes. Reissuing discovery is a procedural step to obtain information, not the final outcome of the case.