Definition
A summary judgment is an award to one party by a judge based on an absence of material fact provided by the other party to contradict the decision.
Analysis
The plaintiff who offers substantial proof that a debt is valid and that the debtor indeed has a legal obligation to repay the debt may argue that a trial is unnecessary. The judge may award the plaintiff with the decision as long as the burden of proof is fulfilled and the request is compliant with applicable laws. A summary judgment is sometimes called an accelerated judgment.
When facing a judgment, a debtor should gather as much documented evidence as they have to support their position. Contracts, telephone call logs and any other forms of objective information should be gathered in order to provide for a reasonable defense. Otherwise, a judge could rule against the debtor without even going to trial.
