summary judgment

[ suhm-uh-ree juhj-muhnt ]

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of summary judgment¹

First recorded in 1795–1800

Example Sentences

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

In a recently unsealed summary judgment order in the case, the judge wrote that Planned Parenthood clinics “had an obligation to repay the government payments they received as a matter of law.”

From Salon

On Sunday in a partial summary judgment in the lawsuit, U.S.

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Seattle Times

Connolly tossed out the lawsuit by granting the government summary judgment.

From Los Angeles Times