motion
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 5The lawyer made a motion to help his client.
The lawyer made a motion to help his client.
The defense filed a motion to dismiss the case.
The defense filed a motion to dismiss the case.
The lawyer is going to ask for a motion today.
The lawyer is going to ask for a motion today.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
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
The lawyer made a motion to help his client.
everydayThe lawyer made a motion to help his client.
The defense filed a motion to dismiss the case.
formalThe defense filed a motion to dismiss the case.
The lawyer is going to ask for a motion today.
informalThe lawyer is going to ask for a motion today.
A motion is a standard procedural tool in the legal system.
academicA motion is a standard procedural tool in the legal system.
The company filed a motion to protect its private data.
businessThe company filed a motion to protect its private data.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
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
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
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
Related Grammar Rules
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
Information or objects that help to prove something is true...
courtA court is a flat, rectangular area marked with lines for pl...
hearingIn a legal context, a hearing is a formal meeting where a ju...
judgeA judge is a person who works in a court of law and makes of...
lawyerA lawyer is a professional person who studies the law and he...
More law words
justice
A1Justice 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
A1A 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
A1A 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
A1In 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
A1Litigation 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
A1A 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
A1A 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
A1A 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
A1A 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
A1A 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.
Comments (0)
Login to CommentStart learning languages for free
Start Learning Free