What impact does a summary judgment have on a legal dispute?

A summary judgment plays a significant role in legal disputes by resolving the case without the need for a trial. This legal mechanism is often utilized when there is no genuine issue of material fact in the dispute, meaning that the evidence presented is so one-sided that one party must prevail as a matter of law. When a court grants summary judgment, it effectively decides the outcome of the case based on the law and the undisputed facts, thus avoiding the time and resources associated with a trial.

In contrast, other options imply processes that either delay resolution or require further substantive steps in the litigation. For instance, postponing the trial indefinitely would imply no resolution is reached, which is contrary to the purpose of summary judgment. Similarly, the need for additional evidence or the evaluation of witness credibility pertains to trial settings and is not relevant when summary judgment is granted, as the court makes its determination based solely on the legal arguments and undisputed evidence presented.