A Modest Proposal: Permit Interlocutory Appeals of Summary Judgment Denials
Abstract
In 1986, the Supreme Court issued three opinions clarifying the standards for summary judgment and encouraged federal district courts to make summary judgment more readily available to litigants. Despite summary judgment's elevated status, courts erroneously fail to summarily dispose of cases when judgment is clearly mandated. Further, the law fails to provide an adequate mechanism to appeal improper summary judgment denials. This thesis reviews the law interpreting Rule 56 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, discusses the shortcomings of potential avenues of appeal, and suggests two methods by which the Supreme Court can provide for interlocutory appeals of improperly denied motions for summary judgment.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1994
- Accession Number
- ADA456705
Entities
People
- Michael J. Davidson
Organizations
- The Judge Advocate General's Legal Center and School