Who is the movant in legal proceedings?

The movant in legal proceedings refers to the party who makes a motion or applies to the court for a specific ruling or order. They are essentially the one seeking a change or a decision from the court, whether it’s to request something like a summary judgment, a continuance, or any other legal relief. In this context, the movant is typically someone who has a vested interest in the outcome of the motion being presented.

In contrast, the judge is responsible for overseeing the proceedings and making determinations based on the motions presented, while the defendant is the party being charged or sued in a case, and the prosecutor is the one who brings the case against the defendant in criminal matters. None of these functions align with the role of a movant, which is strictly associated with the act of applying for a specific legal decision or order from the court. Therefore, the applicant for a legal rule or order accurately identifies who the movant is in legal terminology.