summary judgment

American  

[suhm-uh-ree juhj-muhnt] / ˈsʌm ə ri ˌdʒʌdʒ mənt /

noun

Law.

1. a judgment that is entered without the necessity of jury trial, as one based on affidavits that convince the court that there is no arguable issue.

   The creditor filed a motion for summary judgment against the debtor.

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Etymology

Origin of summary judgment

First recorded in 1795–1800

Example Sentences

The arguments heard were for summary judgment, which means both sides agree on the facts but disagree on how the law applies to those facts.

From Salon

Federal judges have granted three of the four firms summary judgment against the government; a judge’s ruling in the fourth case is pending.

From Los Angeles Times

In a judgment on Wednesday, Mr Justice Ritchie granted summary judgment in her favour, meaning she won her case without a trial.

From BBC

No. We did have an ongoing legal battle, but we had a summary judgment and the judge awarded us, in our favor, everything.

From Los Angeles Times

Although the judge ruled that he would be forced to testify, the parties eventually asked for a summary judgment, so that the case would not have to go to a full trial.

From BBC