The concept of a summary jury trial being non-binding unless agreed to in advance implies what?

• A. It is always binding
• B. It requires mutual agreement to become binding
• C. It is never binding
• D. It depends on the jurisdiction

Answer: (B)

Summary jury trial is an abbreviated, trial-like procedure whose results are not binding unless both sides explicitly agree to be bound in advance. The key idea is that the process provides a realistic appraisal of a case to help the parties settle, but the verdict doesn’t have enforceable effect unless the parties consent to binding the outcome. If they do agree, the result can be used as a binding settlement or even enforceable judgment under the agreed terms. Without that mutual agreement, the SJ verdict remains advisory and cannot be enforced as a final court decision.