What is a dispositive motion?

A dispositive motion is a legal motion filed by one party in a lawsuit seeking to resolve the case or a specific issue without the need for a trial. These motions are typically made before trial and are used to request the court to make a final decision on the case based on the legal arguments presented by the parties without the need for a full trial.

Some common types of dispositive motions include motions to dismiss, motions for summary judgment, and motions for judgment on the pleadings. These motions are typically based on legal arguments about the sufficiency of the evidence, legal theories, or procedural issues in the case.

Dispositive motions can be a strategic tool for parties to try to resolve a case quickly and efficiently, without the need for a costly and time-consuming trial. However, they are also subject to strict legal standards and procedural rules, and the court may deny the motion if it determines that there are genuine issues of material fact that need to be resolved at trial.

Overall, dispositive motions can be a powerful tool in litigation for resolving cases in a timely and cost-effective manner, but they require careful preparation and legal arguments to be successful.