Opinion ID: 2180498
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Standard of Review on Summary Judgment on a Waiver Claim

Text: The purpose of Superior Court Civil Rule 56 is to provide a method by which issues of law involved in a litigation may be speedily brought before a trial court and disposed of without unnecessary delay. [48] The disposition of litigation by motion for summary judgment should, when possible, be encouraged for it should result in a prompt, expeditious and economical ending of lawsuits. [49] Although summary judgment is encouraged when possible, there is no absolute right to summary judgment. [50] Summary judgment should be granted only if there is no genuine issue as to any material fact and the moving party is entitled to judgment as a matter of law. [51] A trial court's decision on a motion for summary judgment is subject to a de novo standard of review on appeal. [52] In evaluating the summary judgment record, a trial court shall not weigh the evidence or resolve conflicts presented by pretrial discovery. [53] The trial court shall examine the factual record and make reasonable inferences therefrom in the light most favorable to the nonmoving party to determine if there is any dispute of material fact. [54] The trier of fact may weigh the evidence and resolve disputes only after hearing all the evidence, including live witness testimony. [55] Thus, if from the evidence produced there is a reasonable indication that a material fact is in dispute or if it appears desirable to inquire more thoroughly into the facts in order to clarify application of the law, summary judgment is not appropriate. [56] This is an axiom of the judicial process and applies unless the parties have stipulated that the paper record shall constitute the trial record. [57] We consider it an exercise of good judicial administration [for a trial court] to withhold decision ... until [the record] present[s] a more solid basis of findings based on litigation or on a comprehensive statement of agreed facts. [58]