Trial Motions (Civil Litigation) - Explained

What are Motions and how are they used at trial?

Written by Jason Gordon

Updated at April 3rd, 2023

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What are Motions and how are they used in a civil lawsuit?

A motion is a method by which a party asks the court to do something.

That is, the party moves the court to take action.

Motions are most often used to ask the court for some form of procedural action.

Next Article: Frivolous Cases Return to: CIVIL LITIGATION

What are the most common trial motions?

Below are examples of common motions:

What is a Motion to Compel Production?

This is a request to the court to force the other side to produce the requested information (discovery). It is extremely common for parties to litigation to ignore or not fully comply with the other party's discovery requests. The motion to compel is the procedural remedy available to the requesting party.

What is a Motion for Judgment based upon the Statute of Limitations?

This is a request to the court to bar the other party from bringing a particular cause of action against the defendant. Basically, it argues that the statutory time period allowed for bringing the specific legal action has passed. Successfully demonstrating that the statute of limitations has passed effectively wins that claim for the defendant.

What is a Judgment on the Pleadings?

This is a request by the defendant to the court to rule in her favor based upon the information in the pleadings. It states that, even if all pleadings are true, the defendant is entitled to judgment as a matter of law. At this point, neither party has presented any facts, but the defendant claims that the plaintiff has failed to allege sufficient facts to state a cause of action. Basically, the defendant claims that all of the facts, as alleged, do not establish a legal claim under the existing law.

What is a Directed Verdict?

This is a request to the court by a defendant to rule in her favor based upon the plaintiff's presentation. The request for directed verdict comes at the close of the plaintiff's presentation of evidence. The court will grant the motion if the plaintiff has failed to present sufficient evidence to show that the defendant could be liable under the law. If granted, the defendant does not have to present a defense because the plaintiff did not show the minimal amount of evidence necessary to demonstrate liability.

What is a Motion for Summary Judgment?

A motion for summary judgment is based upon the same grounds but is made at the close of all evidence.

A motion can take many forms and can be for any purpose. In business cases, motion litigation is often the most intense aspect of a trial. The result of motion litigation will often be the determining factor as to whether parties continue on with litigation, dismiss the action, or settle the lawsuit.

Discussion Question

Why do you think motion litigation is so important in business cases?

Most would opine that it can be case determinative. This is, a motion may determine whether the parties in the case proceed with litigation, dismiss the action, or settle the lawsuit.

Practice Question

Zara decides to sue ABC, Inc., in state superior court. ABC receives a summons and complaint containing lots of allegations. ABC believes that all of the allegations made by Zara, even if true, do not state a valid cause of action under state law. What process should ABC take in responding to these allegations?

ABC will file a motion for Judgment on the Pleadings. This is a request by the ABC to the court to rule in her favor based upon the information in the pleadings of Zara. The motion must demonstrate that, even though the pleadings are true, ABC is entitled to judgment as a matter of law. At this point, neither party has presented any facts, but the ABC claims that the plaintiff has failed to allege sufficient facts to state a cause of action. Basically, the defendant claims that all of the facts, as alleged, do not establish a legal claim under the existing law.

Related Topics

trial motions civil litigation

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