SQE 1 – Dispute Resolution Commencing Proceedings Practice Test

Summary judgment is a court decision made without a full trial when there are no genuine disputes over material facts and the moving party is entitled to judgment as a matter of law. This matches the idea that the case can be resolved without trial because there is no real prospect of success for the other side. In practice, a party shows through evidence—such as affidavits, depositions, and documents—that all essential facts are undisputed, and the law will decide the outcome given those facts. If a reasonable person could not differ on the result, the court grants judgment on the legal issues, either for all claims or for specific issues. It’s a civil procedure tool, not limited to criminal cases, and it doesn’t require both sides’ consent. If genuine issues remain, the motion is denied and the case proceeds to trial.