What is a "summary judgment"?

A "summary judgment" is a legal decision made by a court without the necessity of a full trial. It occurs when one party (usually the defendant) argues that there are no genuine disputes of material fact and that they are entitled to judgment as a matter of law based on the evidence presented through affidavits, documents, and deposition transcripts. This mechanism allows for a quicker resolution of cases where the facts are clear and undisputed, thereby saving time and resources for both the court and the parties involved.

The choice detailing a full trial deciding guilt or innocence refers to a separate legal proceeding where all parties present their cases fully, including witness testimony and cross-examinations, which is not the nature of a summary judgment. A preliminary hearing applies to specific situations, often related to criminal cases where the court determines whether there is enough evidence to proceed to trial, but it does not involve a conclusive ruling on the case itself. A method to appeal a jury's decision is an entirely different process involving post-trial motions and does not relate to the initial determination regarding the merits of a case prior to trial. Thus, the correct answer accurately captures the essence of summary judgment as an efficient way to conclude cases without going through the lengthy process of a full trial