When can a motion for summary judgment be filed?

When can a motion for summary judgment be filed?

• A. Up until 30 days after discovery is closed
• B. Only after the close of trial
• C. At any time during the case
• D. Only with the court's permission

Answer: (A)

Filing for summary judgment hinges on presenting a record that shows no genuine dispute over material facts and that the moving party is entitled to judgment as a matter of law. In federal practice, you may move for summary judgment at any time up to 30 days after the close of discovery. This deadline gives both sides a window to develop and review the evidence, while preventing endless postponement of trials. If discovery isn’t complete and you need more information to show there’s no genuine issue, you can request relief under Rule 56(d). The other options don’t fit because summary judgment isn’t reserved only for after trial or only with court permission, and it isn’t open indefinitely—there is a defined deadline after discovery ends.

Filing for summary judgment hinges on presenting a record that shows no genuine dispute over material facts and that the moving party is entitled to judgment as a matter of law. In federal practice, you may move for summary judgment at any time up to 30 days after the close of discovery. This deadline gives both sides a window to develop and review the evidence, while preventing endless postponement of trials. If discovery isn’t complete and you need more information to show there’s no genuine issue, you can request relief under Rule 56(d). The other options don’t fit because summary judgment isn’t reserved only for after trial or only with court permission, and it isn’t open indefinitely—there is a defined deadline after discovery ends.