In a motion for summary judgment, the moving party may use affidavits, relevant documents, and depositions or interrogatories to support his/her motion, but in a motion for judgment on the pleadings, he/she cannot.
A motion for judgment as a matter of law asks the court to enter a judgment based on the conclusion that no reasonable jury could reach a different conclusion. The motion is made before the case is submitted to the jury but after a party has been fully heard on the issue.
Under Pennsylvania law, a motion for judgment on the pleadings is granted only where the pleadings demonstrate that no genuine issue of fact exists, and the moving party is entitled to judgment as a matter of law. Pa. R.C.P. 1034; Giddings v.
This type of motion is typically made when the outcome of the case depends on the court's interpretation of the law. Example: In a lawsuit involving a breach of contract, the defendant may file a motion for judgment on the pleadings if they believe that the plaintiff has failed to state a valid claim.
(1) A response to the motion for summary judgment which includes a concise statement, not to exceed two pages in length, as to why the motion should not be granted. (2) A response to the statement of undisputed material facts either admitting or denying or disputing each of the facts in the movant's statement.
General format - each motion generally consists of a case caption, a title that briefly identifies the relief sought, a series of numbered paragraphs that explains -- in a logical way -- why you are entitled to that relief, a prayer for relief, a signature block, a certification that a copy of the motion was sent to ...
Apply the relevant law to the undisputed facts. Explain why the facts and the law support granting summary judgment in your favor. Use case law – preferably recent – to bolster your argument. Cite previous cases with similar facts where summary judgment was granted.
It is much more difficult for plaintiffs to win this type of summary judgment. Rather than knocking out a single element to doom a cause of action, like a defendant, every element of each claim as to which the plaintiff wishes to achieve summary judgment must be proven by admissible evidence.