Legal Definitions - Request

In legal and formal governmental contexts, a request refers to a formal communication where an individual or party asks for something specific. This can involve asking a court to take a particular action, demanding that another party fulfill a legal obligation, or a legislator formally seeking information or asserting a right within a legislative body. It is essentially a structured plea or demand for action or information, often governed by specific procedural rules.

• Example 1: Court Motion for Dismissal

  Imagine a situation where a person is sued, but their attorney believes the lawsuit has no legal merit. The attorney would file a motion to dismiss with the court. This motion is a formal request asking the judge to terminate the case early because the plaintiff has failed to state a claim for which relief can be granted, or for other legal deficiencies.

  This illustrates a request as a formal plea to the court (the judge) to take a specific action (dismiss the case) based on a legal argument, rather than proceeding to a full trial.

• Example 2: Public Records Request

  A local community group is concerned about the environmental impact of a new development project and wants to review the permits and communications between the developers and the city planning department. They would submit a formal public records request (often under a state's Freedom of Information Act or similar law) to the city, specifically asking for copies of relevant documents, emails, and reports.

  Here, the community group is making a formal request to a governmental body, invoking their legal right to access public information and demanding specific documents.

• Example 3: Legislative Inquiry

  During a parliamentary session, a member of the opposition party might stand up and make a formal request for a government minister to provide specific data on the economic impact of a new policy. This is often done during a designated "question time" or through a formal written submission.

  This demonstrates a request as a formal inquiry made by a legislator within a legislative body, seeking specific information or accountability from the executive branch.