Motion

An application made to a court or judge by a party which requests a ruling or order in favor of the applicant or "movant."

Attempt to have a limited issue heard by the court. Motions can be filed before, during, and after trial.

A request by a litigant to a judge for a decision on an issue relating to the case.

A formal, written request filed with the court. Motions are made in court all the time for many purposes: to continue (postpone) a trial to a later date, to get a change made to an order, for dismissal of the opposing party's case, for a rehearing, or for dozens of other purposes. Most motions must be written. However, during a trial or a hearing, an oral motion may be permitted by the referee/judge.

An application made to the Court, usually by a party to a case, requesting that some action be taken, or that an order be issued on behalf of the applicant.

A written or oral request to a court to have the court do something or allow one of the parties to do something.

A request by either the government or the defense for a ruling by the court on a particular matter. Motions filed before trial are generally referred to as pretrial motions. All motions, other than those made during a trial or hearing, must be in writing, unless the court permits them to be made orally.