Summary Judgments; Scope of

Remedy In any action, including administrative appeals which are enumerated in Section 14-7 (c), any party may move for a summary judgment as to any cause of action or defense as a matter of right at any time if no scheduling order exists and the case has not been assigned for trial. If a schedul- ing order has been entered by the court, either party may move for summary judgment as to any cause of action or defense as a matter of right by the time specified in the scheduling order. If no scheduling order exists but the case has been assigned for trial, a party must move for permis- sion of the judicial authority to file a motion for summary judgment. These rules shall be applica- ble to counterclaims and cross complaints, so that any party may move for summary judgment upon any counterclaim or cross complaint as if it were an independent action. The pendency of a motion for summary judgment shall delay trial only at the discretion of the trial judge. (P.B. 1978-1997, Sec. 379.) (Amended June 14, 2013, to take effect Jan. 1, 2014; amended June 23, 2017, to take effect Jan. 1, 2018; amended June 14, 2024, to take effect Jan. 1, 2025.)