If there is a genuine dispute of material fact, what is the likely outcome of a summary judgment motion?

• A. The motion should be granted
• B. The motion should be denied
• C. Partial grant is automatic
• D. The case is stayed pending further discovery

Answer: (B)

When there’s a genuine dispute about a material fact, a summary judgment motion should be denied. Summary judgment is available only when there is no genuine issue of material fact and the moving party is entitled to judgment as a matter of law. If the evidence shows conflicting versions of what happened on a key issue, a trial is needed to resolve those factual questions, so the court must deny the motion. Partial grants aren’t automatic and aren’t triggered simply by a single factual dispute, and staying the case pending discovery isn’t the standard response to a genuine fact dispute.