What is the definition of a motion in legal terms?

In legal terminology, a motion is indeed defined as a request for a rule or order in court. This involves one party asking the court to issue a specific ruling or take a particular action related to a legal proceeding. For instance, a party might file a motion to dismiss a case, request a summary judgment, or seek a specific ruling on evidence.

Motions are a fundamental part of legal procedures, allowing attorneys to formally present their requests to the judge. Unlike formal statements made by judges, which convey decisions or instructions, a motion serves as an avenue for litigants to seek the court's intervention or direction. This is distinct from arguments presented to juries, which are a method of persuasion in the trial process rather than procedural requests. Similarly, a judge’s decision is the outcome of motions or other proceedings, rather than being synonymous with a motion itself. Thus, the definition aligns perfectly with the role of motions in the judicial system.