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 • Jul. 28, 2025

A federal district court granted summary judgment to Felix, removing the question of whether the shooting was reasonable from a jury and declaring the killing legally justified as a matter of law.

From Slate • Apr. 15, 2025

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

From BBC • Mar. 5, 2025

The motion for summary judgment, filed by the plaintiffs in May, argued that there was no material dispute that the income rules block access to those most in need.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 15, 2024

A violent yell from the sleeping Beauty on the rug sounded like a summary judgment on her mistress.

From Marriage by Ferrier, Susan Edmonstone