When opposing a properly supported motion for summary judgment, a party must respond with specific facts showing that there is a genuine issue of material fact and that the moving party is not entitled to judgment as a matter of law.
If a defendant refuses to produce documents or witnesses for depositions, you can oppose the summary-judgment motion by submitting your declaration and showing that facts essential to justify your opposition may exist but cannot for reasons stated be presented to the court.
Summary judgment motions do have a timeline for filing and response. First, a summary judgment motion must be on file at least 21 days before it can be heard. (TRCP 166a) Second, any opposing affidavits or written response should be on file no later than 7 days before the hearing.
The reason for the move for summary judgment must be included in the motion unless granted leave of the court; the motion and any supporting affidavits must be filed and served at least 21 days before the hearing date, with notice to opposing counsel.
Apply each legal argument to the facts stated in the undisputed facts section, and explain why under the law and the facts summary judgment should be granted. In one paragraph, reiterate why summary judgment should be granted on each count of the complaint.
If a motion for summary judgment is filed before a responsive pleading is due from a party affected by the motion, the time for responding to the motion is 21 days after the responsive pleading is due.
Third, if you are opposing a summary judgment because there are disputed fact questions, then list those disputed facts. One of the most effective responses to a motion for summary judgment simply had a bullet point list of the five disputed fact questions in the case.
Traditional and no-evidence are the two types of summary judgment motions. Requesting no-evidence summary judgment means telling the judge that no evidence can support any of your opponent's arguments. Therefore you request the dismissal of the claim before it goes to trial.
What You Need in Your Motion for Summary Judgement Title and Introduction. Clearly state the document's purpose and include the case caption. Statement of Facts. Provide a clear, detailed statement of the undisputed facts. Standard of Review. Explain the legal standard for granting summary judgment. Argument. Conclusion.
While both are pre-trial devices, summary adjudication differs from summary judgment in that the latter disposes of the entire case, whereas summary adjudication resolves selected issues, leaving the remaining ones to be settled at trial.