Motion for summary judgment

A motion for summary judgment, governed by Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 56, asks the court to rule in the movant's favor without a trial because there is no genuine dispute as to any material fact and the movant is entitled to judgment as a matter of law.

The court views the evidence in the light most favorable to the non-moving party. Summary judgment can resolve an entire case or narrow it by disposing of specific claims or defenses (partial summary judgment).