What is typically the outcome of a successful summary judgment motion?

A successful summary judgment motion typically results in the court ruling in favor of one party in the case, without proceeding to a full trial. This legal mechanism allows a judge to decide the case based on the evidence presented in the motion, which demonstrates that there are no genuine disputes regarding any material facts and that one party is entitled to judgment as a matter of law.

In essence, when summary judgment is granted, it signifies that the court has evaluated the evidence and found that no reasonable jury could find in favor of the opposing party, thus eliminating the need for a trial. This can lead to a quicker resolution of the case, avoiding unnecessary legal expenses and time that would be involved in a trial.

The other possible outcomes listed, such as scheduling a new trial date, dismissing the case entirely, or discharging the jury, do not align with the purpose and result of a successful summary judgment motion. A new trial date would only be relevant in scenarios where there is a need for a retrial after a previous trial, while dismissal would imply a termination of the case, which is not necessarily the outcome of a summary judgment motion. Lastly, discharging a jury pertains to the conclusion of a trial, which would not occur when a summary judgment is granted,