§ Rule 56 Summary judgment

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 Rule 56. Summary judgment

    (a) Summary Judgment--For Claimant. A party seeking to recover upon a claim, counterclaim, or cross-claim or to obtain a declaratory judgment may, at any time after the expiration of twenty (20) days from the service of process upon the adverse party or that party's appearance in the action or after service of a motion for summary judgment by the adverse party, move with or without supporting affidavits for a summary judgment in that party's favor upon all or any part thereof. Provided, a motion for summary judgment must be filed at least 60 days before the trial date, or filed within 7 days from the date of the order setting the case for trial, whichever is later, unless otherwise ordered by the court.

    (b) Summary Judgment--For Defending Party. A party against whom a claim, counterclaim, or cross-claim is asserted or a declaratory judgment is sought may, at any time, move with or without supporting affidavits for a summary judgment in that party's favor as to all or any part thereof. Provided, a motion for summary judgment must be filed at least 60 days before the trial date, or filed within 7 days from the date of the order setting the case for trial, whichever is later, unless otherwise ordered by the court.

    (c) Motion for Summary Judgment and Proceedings Thereon. The motion, affidavits and supporting brief shall be served at least twenty-eight (28) days before the time fixed for the hearing. If the adverse party desires to serve opposing affidavits the party must do so at least 14 days prior to the date of the hearing. The adverse party shall also serve an answering brief at least 14 days prior to the date of the hearing. The moving party may thereafter serve a reply brief not less than 7 days before the date of the  hearing. The judgment sought shall be rendered forthwith if the pleadings, depositions, and admissions on file, together with the  affidavits, if any, show that there is no genuine issue as to any material fact and that the moving party is entitled to a judgment as a matter of law. A summary judgment, interlocutory in character, may be rendered on the issue of liability alone although there is a genuine issue as to the amount of damages. Such judgment, when appropriate, may be rendered for or against any party to the action. The court may alter or shorten the time periods and requirements of this rule for good cause shown, may continue the hearing, and may impose costs, attorney fees and sanctions against a party or the party's attorney, or both.

    (d) Case Not Fully Adjudicated on Motion for Summary Judgment. If on motion under this rule judgment is not rendered upon the whole case or for all the relief asked and a trial is necessary, the court at the hearing of the motion, by examining the pleadings and the evidence before it and by interrogating counsel, shall if practicable ascertain what material facts exist without substantial controversy and what material facts are actually and in good faith controverted. It shall thereupon make an order specifying the facts that appear without substantial controversy, including the extent to which the amount of damages or other relief is not in  controversy, and directing such further proceedings in the action as are just. Upon the trial of the action the facts so specified shall be deemed established, and the trial shall be conducted accordingly.

    (e) Form of Affidavits--Further Testimony--Defense Required. Supporting and opposing affidavits shall be made on personal knowledge, shall set forth such facts as would be admissible in evidence, and shall show affirmatively that the affiant is competent to testify to the matters stated therein. Sworn or certified copies of all papers or parts thereof referred to in an affidavit shall be attached thereto or served therewith. The court may permit affidavits to be supplemented or opposed by depositions, answers to interrogatories, or further affidavits. When a motion for summary judgment is made and supported as provided in this rule, an adverse party may not rest upon the mere allegations or denials of that party's pleadings, but the party's response, by affidavits or as otherwise provided in this rule, must set forth specific facts showing that there is a genuine issue for trial. If the party does not so respond, summary judgment, if appropriate, shall be entered against the party.

    (f) When Affidavits Are Unavailable in Summary Judgment Proceedings. Should it appear from the affidavits of a party
opposing the motion that the party cannot for reasons stated present by affidavit facts essential to justify the party's opposition, the court may refuse the application for judgment or may order a continuance to permit affidavits to be obtained or depositions to be taken or discovery to be had or may make such other order as is just.

    (g) Affidavits in Summary Judgment Proceedings Made in Bad Faith. Should it appear to the satisfaction of the court at any time that any of the affidavits presented pursuant to this rule are presented in bad faith or solely for the purpose of delay, the court shall forthwith order the party employing them to pay to the other party the amount of the reasonable expenses which the filing of the affidavits caused that party to incur, including reasonable attorney's fees, and any offending party or attorney may be adjudged guilty of contempt .

    The rule headings for Idaho Rules of Civil Procedure have been editorially supplied.