What does a motion for summary judgment typically ask the court to do in a bond forfeiture case?

• A. The motion asks the court to summarize the facts
• B. The motion asks the court to decide the merits without a trial
• C. The motion seeks dismissal of the case
• D. The motion refers the matter to mediation

Answer: (C)

Summary judgment is a mechanism to end a case on the merits without a trial when there is no genuine dispute about material facts and the moving party is entitled to judgment as a matter of law. In a bond forfeiture scenario, this means the party requesting summary judgment would show that the facts relevant to the forfeiture are undisputed and the law supports forfeiture, so the court can grant a final judgment without a trial.

This is not about summarizing facts for a record, nor is it simply a request to dismiss the case, which would end the case for procedural reasons rather than decide it on the merits. Mediation is an entirely different path aimed at settling disputes outside the courtroom.