A summary trial, also known as a summary judgment or summary disposition, is a legal proceeding in which a judge makes a decision on a case without a full trial. Summary trials are typically used when the facts of a case are not in dispute and the parties agree on the legal issues involved. They can be an efficient way to resolve a case quickly, as they allow the parties to avoid the time and expense of a full trial.
There are a few situations in which it may be appropriate to request a summary trial:
- When the facts of the case are not in dispute: If the parties agree on the facts of the case and only disagree on the legal issues involved, a summary trial may be a good option.
- When there is no need for discovery: Summary trials do not involve the exchange of evidence or witness testimony, so they may be appropriate if the parties do not need to gather additional information through the discovery process.
- When the case involves a clear and straightforward legal issue: If the case involves a straightforward legal issue that can be easily resolved by a judge, a summary trial may be a good option.
It’s important to keep in mind that summary trials are not appropriate in all cases, and they may not be available in all jurisdictions. It’s a good idea to consult with a lawyer to determine whether a summary trial is a suitable option in your case.
