What is a motion?

• A. A motion to dismiss
• B. A cross-claim
• C. A request for the court to issue an order
• D. A type of evidence

Answer: (C)

A motion is a formal request filed with the court asking the judge to issue an order on a specific issue in the case. It’s the procedural tool lawyers use to get a ruling or directive without going to trial—for example, asking the court to dismiss the case, compel discovery, or grant summary judgment. A motion is about obtaining an order or ruling from the court, not about making a claim against someone else or introducing evidence. A cross-claim is a separate claim brought by one party against another within the same action, and a type of evidence refers to materials offered to prove facts at trial or hearings.