If only damages remain, the court can grant summary judgment on liability and proceed to trial for damages. Which of the following is true?

If only damages remain, the court can grant summary judgment on liability and proceed to trial for damages. Which of the following is true?

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Only with the consent of the plaintiff
• D. Only in federal court

Answer: (A)

Partial summary judgment on liability is allowed when there is no genuine dispute about that issue. If all that remains to be resolved is the amount of damages, the court can grant judgment on liability now and then conduct a separate trial to determine damages. This streamlines the case by avoiding a full trial on liability when the facts are undisputed, and it’s permitted under Rule 56 in federal practice and in many state systems as well. It doesn’t require the plaintiff’s consent, and it isn’t limited to federal courts.

Partial summary judgment on liability is allowed when there is no genuine dispute about that issue. If all that remains to be resolved is the amount of damages, the court can grant judgment on liability now and then conduct a separate trial to determine damages. This streamlines the case by avoiding a full trial on liability when the facts are undisputed, and it’s permitted under Rule 56 in federal practice and in many state systems as well. It doesn’t require the plaintiff’s consent, and it isn’t limited to federal courts.