Summary Trial Definition: The trial of an action by way of affidavit evidence only or by use of truncated process. Related Terms: Summary Judgment The hearing and disposing of litigation by way of affidavit evidence only or by use of truncated or expedited judicial process. French: procès sommaire. See also Summary Judgment at duhaime.org/LegalDictionary/S/SummaryJudgment.aspx and Summary Trial at duhaime.org/LegalResources/CivilLitigation/LawArticle-130/Summary-Trial.aspx. Categories & Topics: Civil Litigation & Evidence Law Dictionary Find you are constantly looking up definitions? Try our search provider (works in most modern browsers) If you find an error or omission in Duhaime's Legal Dictionary, or if you have legal term suggestion, we'd love to hear from you!