Summary judgment is granted when there is no genuine issue of material fact and the moving party is entitled to judgment as a matter of law. This means that even if all the evidence is viewed in the light most favorable to the non-moving party, no reasonable jury could find for them on the essential elements of the case.
A motion to dismiss for failure to state a claim challenges the legal sufficiency of the plaintiff’s complaint. It argues that even if all allegations are true, the plaintiff has not stated a legal claim for which the court can grant relief.
Personal jurisdiction refers to the court’s authority over the parties involved in a lawsuit. It ensures that a court has the power to make legal decisions affecting the parties based on their connections to the state or jurisdiction.
The discovery process is designed to allow parties to obtain relevant information and evidence from each other to prepare for trial. This includes depositions, interrogatories, and document requests, which help ensure a fair trial by making all relevant information available.
Under the Iowa Rules of Civil Procedure, a defendant generally has 30 days from the date of service of the complaint to file an answer or otherwise respond to the complaint. This time frame allows the defendant to prepare and present their case.
