Simple English definitions for legal terms
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Term: Move
Definition: When a lawyer wants to ask the judge to do something, they file a paper called a motion. This paper is like a request. So, when we say "move," we mean that the lawyer is asking the judge to do something by filing a motion.
Move
To file a motion.
When someone wants to ask a court to do something, they can file a motion. This is called making a move. For example, a lawyer might move to dismiss a case if they think it should not go forward. Or, a lawyer might move to have evidence excluded from a trial if they think it was obtained illegally.
Example 1: The defense attorney moved to suppress the evidence because it was obtained without a warrant.
Example 2: The prosecutor moved to have the case dismissed because there was not enough evidence to proceed.
In both examples, the lawyers are making a move by filing a motion. They are asking the court to take a specific action, either to exclude evidence or to dismiss the case.