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

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 • Sep. 4, 2024

In partial summary judgment, Rothrock agreed the system was “not neutral” and “systematically favors Providence,” resulting in underpaying of class members.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 20, 2024

In the last year for which returns are available, 1916-17, 82,121 offenders were handled by police summary judgment, that is, punished by the police on the spot, without trial.

From Korea's Fight for Freedom by Mckenzie, F. A. (Frederick Arthur)