What is a petition in legal terms?

In legal terms, a petition is defined as a formal written request to a governmental authority, typically used to initiate a legal proceeding or seek a specific action or decision. Petitions are often submitted to courts or administrative agencies and must comply with specific legal formats and requirements. They are essential tools in the legal system, allowing individuals or groups to assert their rights, request remedies, or appeal decisions. By properly articulating a request in writing, a petition serves as an official document that can be reviewed and acted upon by the designated authority.