DTLD v. The Power Station Limited Partnership

DTLD asks whether due process is violated when a court grants summary judgment (a decision without a trial) because evidence is not “material,” without first identifying the legal rule that makes facts material. The petition says the lower court also said it lacked authority to state that rule.

The petition is pending, and oral argument has not been scheduled.

The case could affect parties whose claims or defenses are ended before trial because a court finds their evidence insufficient. For example, businesses in a property dispute could lose their chance for a trial without a clearly stated standard for which facts matter.

The Court may schedule oral argument or take another action on the petition. No decision window has been set.

The case asks whether courts must identify the legal standard for material facts before ending a case through summary judgment.

People and businesses facing summary judgment could be affected when courts decide whether their evidence is enough to require a trial.

The Supreme Court may schedule oral argument or take another action on the petition for certiorari, a request that it hear the case.