What is the difference between MSA and MSJ?

Asked by: Rupert Turcotte  |  Last update: February 1, 2026
Score: 4.4/5 (37 votes)

MSA (Motion for Summary Adjudication) and MSJ (Motion for Summary Judgment) are both legal tools to resolve cases without trial, but the key difference is scope: MSJ aims to win the entire case, while MSA targets specific causes of action, claims, or issues within the case, often used when a full summary judgment isn't feasible or to narrow down the dispute before trial. Both require proving there are no disputed material facts and that judgment can be made as a matter of law.

What is the difference between MSJ and MSA?

In a nutshell then, the only difference between these two motions is that an MSJ seeks to resolve the entire matter in favor of the moving party while an MSAI seeks to resolve individual causes of action or issues in favor of the moving party.

What does MSJ mean in court?

A motion for summary judgment is a motion asking the court to issue summary judgment on at least one claim. If the motion is granted, a decision is made on the claims involved without holding a trial.

What is the difference between a motion for summary judgment and a motion for summary adjudication?

A Motion for Summary Judgment (MSJ) is when a judge makes a ruling on all causes of action in a case. A Motion for Summary Adjudication (MSA) is a ruling on each cause of action individually. So, an MSJ is a broad view of the case such as liability and the defendants involved in the case.

What does MSJ mean?

A party may file a motion for summary judgment (MSJ) and request the judge enter a summary judgment if (1) there is no "genuine" issue of fact to be decided by a judge or jury at trial and (2) they are entitled to judgment as a matter of law.

Motion for Partial Summary Judgment 105611-86

41 related questions found

Is an MSJ a final judgment?

Summary judgment grants are final judgments in the sense that there was no genuine issue as to any material fact and judgment was rendered in favor of the moving party. For purposes of preclusion, it is a final judgment on the merits.

What is the full form of MSJ?

Master of Science in Journalism.

Why might a judge issue a summary judgment?

Under the rules of federal civil procedure, which govern cases in federal court, a judge may grant a summary judgment motion when there are no genuine issues of material fact.

What are the three types of adjudication?

The types of disputes that can be handled through adjudication are:

  • Disputes between private parties, such as individuals or companies.
  • Disputes between public officials and private parties.
  • Disputes between public bodies or public officials.

How to defeat a summary judgment motion?

Get a Fair Hearing in Court

  1. Show that the motion fails to list the specific facts and law supporting summary judgment. ...
  2. Show that a dispute exists on a material fact. ...
  3. Show that the law does not support judgment on the undisputed facts.

What are the disadvantages of summary judgment?

The Disadvantages of Summary Judgment

This can be a challenging standard to meet, as the court only requires a demonstration that the case may succeed, rather than proving its merits conclusively. It is important to note that the court has discretion when it comes to costs.

What happens after a motion for summary judgment is filed?

When summary judgment is granted, the case (or part of it) ends without a full trial because the judge finds no dispute over material facts, leading to a final judgment for the winning party, who can then enforce it; the losing party's options are to appeal, ask for reconsideration, or sometimes seek a writ, though appealing is the main recourse to challenge the ruling in a higher court. 

Is it hard to win summary judgment?

Yes. Judges can deny summary judgment with a decision on the margin, but to grant summary judgment they have to issue a written decision. Therefore, to win on summary judgment you have to convince a judge that it is a good use of his or her very limited time and resources to write the decision.

What is the biggest mistake during a divorce?

The biggest mistake during a divorce often involves letting emotions drive decisions, leading to poor financial choices, using children as weapons, failing to plan for the future, or getting bogged down in petty fights that escalate costs and conflict, ultimately hurting all parties involved, especially the kids. Key errors include not getting legal/financial advice, fighting over small assets, exaggerating claims, and neglecting your own well-being. 

What is the purpose of a MSA?

The purpose behind master service agreements. Parties to a transaction for the provision of services can use an MSA to tackle common issues that may arise in the partnership. MSAs eliminate the need for repetitive negotiations regarding subsequent contracts in an ongoing business relationship.

Why is moving out the biggest mistake in a divorce?

Moving out during a divorce is often called a mistake because it can harm your financial standing (paying two households), weaken your position in child custody (appearing less involved), and complicate asset division by creating an "abandonment" perception, making courts favor the spouse who stayed, though it's not always a mistake, especially in cases of domestic violence where safety is paramount. Staying in the home, even in separate rooms, preserves the status quo, keeps you present for kids, and maintains your connection to the property until formal agreements are made.
 

Who usually makes the adjudication decision?

Adjudication is a legal process where an impartial third party, called an adjudicator, reviews evidence, hears arguments, and makes a decision to resolve a dispute or determine an outcome.

What are the three main types of mediation?

Mediation is a process that can be conducted in three ways that vary in formality, goals, the mediator's techniques, and outcomes. Listed from more formal to less formal, the styles of mediation are: settlement conference, facilitative, and transformative.

How long does adjudication usually take?

The good news is adjudication is much, much shorter than the investigation phase in most cases, typically taking only a few weeks.

What are the odds of winning a summary judgement?

The odds of winning summary judgment vary wildly by jurisdiction, case type, and judge, but generally, it's difficult because courts prefer letting cases go to trial; success hinges on showing no disputed material facts, often succeeding in clear-cut cases (like some employment discrimination) but failing in complex contract/tort disputes where evidence is less definitive, with studies showing grant rates from under 10% to over 50% depending on context, making it a strategic, fact-specific assessment. 

What are common grounds for summary judgment?

Common grounds for summary judgment are when there are no genuine disputes over material facts, meaning the evidence shows only one possible version of the relevant events, and the law clearly favors one party, making a trial unnecessary to decide the case on its merits. This usually occurs when the moving party proves no reasonable jury could find for the other side, often due to lack of evidence for key claims (like causation, injury, or duty) or the presence of affirmative defenses (like statute of limitations) that legally bar recovery.
 

Is summary judgment hard to get?

Before a court will grant summary judgment, you must be able to submit factual evidence in admissible form. One rule of thumb when it comes to summary judgment is, “The thicker the motion, the more likely it is to be denied.”

What happens after MSJ is filed?

After filing a summary judgment, the non-moving party usually has 30 days to file a response motion. In the response, the non-moving party will designate evidence and argue that material facts in dispute preclude summary judgment.

Can MSJ be appealed?

Appealing a summary judgment

The right to appeal lies from a judgment entered pursuant to an order granting summary judgment. Only the judgment itself, and not the order granting summary judgment, can be appealed.

How to oppose an MSJ?

If you are opposing a motion for summary judgment, your affidavit or affirmation should attach and refer to any relevant exhibits. You may also attach affidavits or affirmations from other people who have personal knowledge of relevant information regarding the motion.