A brief statement that contains the important items that appear in another document of greater length. Law Dictionary - Alternative Legal Definition (noun) - An abridgment; brief; compendium; also a short application to a court or judge, without the formality of a full proceeding. Wharton.(adjective) - Immediate; peremptory ; off-hand ;without a jury; provisional; statutory. … [Read more...]

Where a judge resolves some issues and others are allowed to continue. This is used by either a plaintiff or defendant to establish certain elements in a case, for example, on an issue when it is incontrovertible that a driver was careless when behind the wheel. … [Read more...]

A final decision made by a judge in favor of one of the parties that is made after discovery of evidence is complete but prior to trial. A party makes a motion for summary judgment and argues that a reasonable jury examining the evidence could only decide the case in favor of the moving party. If a judge agrees then it would not be necessary to have a trial and a judgment is … [Read more...]

A simple proceeding for small estates that is quicker and much less costly than in probate court. The amount that qualifies for a small estate is governed by state law. … [Read more...]

A court proceeding in frong of a judge where no jury is present. … [Read more...]