A motion is a formal request asking a court to make a ruling or issue an order.
In plain language, a party files a motion when it wants the judge to do something in the case. Motions can address pleadings, evidence, discovery, deadlines, judgment, trial procedure, or enforcement.
Why it matters
Motions matter because much litigation happens through written requests before trial. A motion can narrow claims, compel discovery, exclude evidence, extend a deadline, dismiss a case, or resolve a case without trial.
The motion process also creates a record of what each side asked the court to decide.
Where it appears
Motions appear throughout civil and criminal cases, including pleading stages, discovery, pretrial conferences, trial, post-judgment enforcement, and appeals.
Practical example
A defendant files a motion to dismiss arguing that the complaint does not state a legally valid claim. The court may grant or deny the motion after briefing and sometimes a hearing.
How it differs from nearby terms
A motion differs from a court order. The motion is the request; the order is the court’s decision.
It also differs from a complaint, which begins a civil case by asserting claims.
Related terms
Quick knowledge check
Question: What does a motion ask the court to do?
Answer: It asks the court to make a ruling or issue an order.