What is the purpose of a summary judgment?

A summary judgment serves the purpose of resolving a case without the need for a trial when the evidence shows that there is no genuine issue of material fact. This means that the evidence is so clear that no reasonable jury could find in favor of the non-moving party. The court evaluates the evidence presented by both parties and decides if there are sufficient legal grounds to support a ruling in favor of one side, effectively streamlining the legal process and conserving judicial resources.

This mechanism is particularly important in civil litigation, where many cases can be protracted and costly. By granting summary judgment, the court allows for a quicker resolution in instances where facts are not in dispute, thus preempting unnecessary delays and expenses associated with a trial.