Opinion ID: 1277454
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 8

Heading: The Standard of Review For Summary Adjudication Process

Text: ¶ 19 Summary process  a special pretrial procedural track to be conducted with the aid of acceptable probative substitutes [29]  is a search for undisputed material facts that, sans forensic combat, may be applied in the judicial decision-making process. [30] Only those evidentiary materials which eliminate from trial some or all fact issues may afford legitimate support for nisi prius resort to summary process. [31] Summary relief issues stand before us for de novo examination. [32] All facts and inferences must be viewed in the light most favorable to the non-movant. [33] Just as we enjoin the nisi prius courts to do, so too appellate tribunals bear an affirmative duty to test all evidentiary material tendered in summary process for its legal sufficiency to support the relief sought by the movant. [34] Only if the court should conclude that there is no substantial controversy over any material facts and the law favors the movant's claim or defense is the moving party entitled to summary judgment in its favor. [35]