What is meant by the term "summary judgment"?

Summary judgment refers to a legal process in which a court makes a ruling on the merits of a case without the need for a full trial. This occurs when one party requests the court to determine that there are no genuine disputes regarding material facts and that they are entitled to judgment as a matter of law. The key aspect of summary judgment is that it streamlines the legal process, often saving time and resources for both the court and the parties involved.

In contrast, a judgment made after a jury trial involves a full set of proceedings where evidence is presented, witnesses are examined, and ultimately decided by a jury, which is a different and more extensive process. Similarly, a lengthy legal process requiring several hearings does not align with the concept of summary judgment, as that implies ongoing litigation rather than a swift resolution based on existing information. Lastly, a ruling that requires further investigation indicates that the court feels there is insufficient evidence to arrive at a decision, which also stands in opposition to the purpose of summary judgment, which is meant to resolve matters efficiently when facts are undisputed. Thus, the definition focusing on a court's decision without the necessity for full proceedings is what accurately represents the essence of summary judgment.