What is the definition of "summary judgment" in legal terms?

Summary judgment is defined as a court ruling that resolves a case without proceeding to a full trial. This procedure is typically employed when there is no genuine issue of material fact that needs to be resolved, allowing the judge to make a decision based on the evidence presented in the pleadings, affidavits, and depositions. By granting summary judgment, the court effectively acknowledges that, even if all the facts alleged by the opposing party are accepted as true, those facts do not warrant a trial because they fail to establish a legal claim or defense.

This process is designed to promote efficiency within the judicial system, preventing unnecessary trials in situations where the outcome is clear-cut based on the law and undisputed facts. As a result, it serves as an important mechanism for streamlining the judicial process, saving both time and resources for the court and the parties involved.

In contrast, the other choices refer to distinct legal concepts that do not align with the definition of summary judgment. A jury verdict, while a formal decision reached by a jury at trial, is not applicable when discussing summary judgment, as no jury is involved in this process. Likewise, an appeal pertains to seeking a higher court's review on a lower court's decision, rather than a situation resolving a case