Mississippi Motion for Summary Judgment
Description
What Is a Motion for Summary Judgment?
Motion for Summary Judgment, in United States legal context, is a formal request by one party (the moving party) in a lawsuit. This request is made to a US district court to decide a case in favor of the moving party without a full trial. Such a motion is governed primarily by Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, particularly Rule 56. It asserts that the main facts of the case are undisputed and that these facts make the moving party legally entitled to judgment.
Key Concepts & Definitions
- Summary Judgment: This is a legal determination by the court that resolves the case without going to trial because there are no disputed issues of material fact to be decided by a jury.
- Moving Party: The party who files the motion for summary judgment.
- US District Courts: Courts within the federal judiciary of the United States where most federal cases are initiated and first heard.
- Local Rules: Specific rules that govern court procedures in different federal districts, supplementing the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.
Step-by-Step Guide to Filing a Motion for Summary Judgment
- Assess the case to ensure that all material facts are clear and undisputed.
- Check the local rules of your district court to comply with specific formatting and filing requirements.
- Prepare the motion, including a statement of undisputed facts, supported by evidence such as depositions, affidavits, or declarations.
- File the motion along with any supporting documentation in the appropriate US district court.
- Serve the opposing party according to federal and local rules to give them an opportunity to respond.
- Attend the hearing, if the court schedules one, to argue the motion before the judge.
Risk Analysis
Filing a motion for summary judgment carries potential risks such as the court finding that there are indeed disputable facts warranting a trial, which can prolong the litigation process. Improper or incomplete presentation of supporting facts and evidence might also lead to denial of the motion. These risks necessitate careful preparation and thorough understanding of both federal and local court rules.
Best Practices
- Ensure comprehensive collection and presentation of all relevant evidence.
- Always adhere to the specific procedural rules of the court handling the case.
- Maintain clear, concise, and persuasive arguments in both written and oral presentations.
- Anticipate potential counterarguments from the opposing party and prepare rebuttals in advance.
Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
- Neglecting Local Rules: Always review and follow the local procedural rules of the court to avoid filing errors.
- Overlooking Material Facts: Before filing, reassess all evidence to ensure no material fact is disputable.
- Insufficient Evidence: Provide ample evidence like affidavits and depositions to support the motion.
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FAQ
Motions filed, the percent of cases with motions granted in whole or in part, and the percent of cases terminated by summary judgment. The percentage of cases with summary judgment motions, averaged across the six courts in the study, has increased from approximately 12% in 1975, to 17% in 1985, to 19% in 1988.
A motion for summary judgment filed by an opposing party claims that you cannot prevail in the case because there is no legal dispute or your claim is without merit or a defense. Failure to respond to a motion for summary judgment can result in your case being dismissed or a judgment being rendered against you.
Decision on motions for summary judgment: About 15 months after beginning of representation. The judge will make a decision on summary judgment about three months after s/he hears arguments from both sides.
If the motion is granted, the judgment on the issue or case is deemed to be a final judgment from which a party may seek an appeal. The court of appeal can reverse the grant of summary judgment and reinstate the claim in the lower court. However, this is rarely done and most summary judgments are upheld on appeal.
