A1 noun Formal

motion

/ˈmoʊ.ʃən/

In law, a motion is a formal request made to a judge or a court. It asks the court to make a decision or take a specific action during a legal case.

Examples

3 of 5
1

The lawyer made a motion to help his client.

The lawyer made a motion to help his client.

2

The defense filed a motion to dismiss the case.

The defense filed a motion to dismiss the case.

3

The lawyer is going to ask for a motion today.

The lawyer is going to ask for a motion today.

Word Family

Noun
motion
Verb
move
Adjective
motional
Related
movement
💡

Memory Tip

Think of 'motion' as a way to make the case 'move' forward by asking the judge for help.

Quick Quiz

The judge will decide on the lawyer's ____ to stop the trial tomorrow.

Correct!

The correct answer is: motion

Examples

1

The lawyer made a motion to help his client.

everyday

The lawyer made a motion to help his client.

2

The defense filed a motion to dismiss the case.

formal

The defense filed a motion to dismiss the case.

3

The lawyer is going to ask for a motion today.

informal

The lawyer is going to ask for a motion today.

4

A motion is a standard procedural tool in the legal system.

academic

A motion is a standard procedural tool in the legal system.

5

The company filed a motion to protect its private data.

business

The company filed a motion to protect its private data.

Word Family

Noun
motion
Verb
move
Adjective
motional
Related
movement

Common Collocations

file a motion file a motion
grant a motion grant a motion
deny a motion deny a motion
table a motion table a motion
written motion written motion

Common Phrases

set in motion

set in motion

go through the motions

go through the motions

pass a motion

pass a motion

Often Confused With

motion vs movement

Movement is a physical change of position, while a motion in law is a formal request.

📝

Usage Notes

Use 'motion' when a lawyer is asking the court for a specific rule or action. It is very common in American and British courtrooms.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes use 'move' as a noun for a court request, but the correct legal noun is 'motion'.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of 'motion' as a way to make the case 'move' forward by asking the judge for help.

📖

Word Origin

From the Latin word 'motionem', which means 'a moving' or 'an action'.

Grammar Patterns

countable noun often follows verbs like 'file', 'make', or 'grant' plural: motions
🌍

Cultural Context

In many English-speaking legal systems, 'filing a motion' is the primary way lawyers communicate with a judge before a trial starts.

Quick Quiz

The judge will decide on the lawyer's ____ to stop the trial tomorrow.

Correct!

The correct answer is: motion

More law words

justice

A1

Justice is the quality of being fair and reasonable in how people are treated. It also refers to the legal system and the way laws are used to punish people who do wrong.

verdict

A1

A verdict is the official decision made by a jury or judge in a court of law about whether someone is guilty or not guilty. It is also used to describe a person's final opinion or judgment about something after testing or considering it.

trial

A1

A formal process in a court of law to decide if someone is guilty of a crime. It involves a judge, and sometimes a jury, who listen to evidence and witnesses.

hearing

A1

In a legal context, a hearing is a formal meeting where a judge or official listens to facts and arguments about a specific issue. It is typically shorter and less formal than a full trial but follows strict legal rules.

litigation

A1

Litigation is the process of using a court of law to solve a legal disagreement. It involves a judge or jury making a final decision about a dispute between people or companies.

testimony

A1

A formal statement given by a witness in a court of law or a public meeting. It is also used to describe something that serves as clear proof that a fact is true.

witness

A1

A witness is a person who sees an event, such as a crime or an accident, take place. In a legal context, this person provides information or evidence in a court about what they observed.

crime

A1

A crime is an action that is against the law and is punishable by the government. It refers to illegal activities like stealing or hurting someone.

criminal

A1

A person who has committed a crime or done something illegal. This word describes someone who breaks the law and may be punished by the police or a court.

felony

A1

A felony is a very serious crime, such as murder or armed robbery. In legal systems, it is a crime that is punished more severely than a minor offense, often resulting in more than one year in prison.

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