Summary Judgment

Definition ∞ Summary judgment is a legal decision rendered by a court without a full trial. It occurs when there are no genuine disputes of material fact, and one party is entitled to judgment as a matter of law. This procedural tool allows for the swift resolution of cases where the essential facts are not in contention. It is a common mechanism for courts to address legal questions efficiently.
Context ∞ In legal disputes involving digital assets, particularly those concerning regulatory classification or enforcement actions, motions for summary judgment are frequently filed. News reports often highlight the outcomes of these motions as they can significantly influence the trajectory of a case and set important securities law precedent. A court’s decision on summary judgment can provide clarity on how existing laws apply to novel cryptocurrency products or services.