Texas Court Reporter Practice Exam

When is a summary judgment particularly appropriate?

1. When new evidence is discovered

2. When there is agreement on all factual issues

3. When the trial is about to begin

4. When no genuine dispute of material fact exists

The correct answer is: When no genuine dispute of material fact exists

A summary judgment is particularly appropriate when no genuine dispute of material fact exists because this legal mechanism allows the court to decide a case based on the evidence presented without the need for a full trial. The essence of summary judgment is that it serves to expedite the judicial process when a party's right to prevail is clear because there are no factual disagreements that would require examination and determination by a jury. In this context, if both parties agree on the facts of the case, and these facts lead to a single legal conclusion, the court can rule on the case without engaging in lengthy procedural steps. Therefore, when it is established that there are no material facts at issue, and one party is entitled to judgment as a matter of law, summary judgment is not only appropriate but also efficient, allowing the courts to allocate resources effectively and avoid unnecessary trials. Other factors, such as discovering new evidence or the timing before a trial, do not inherently warrant summary judgment unless they directly support the absence of a genuine dispute in material facts.