Civil Procedure
Motion to Compel
A request asking the court to order another party to provide discovery it has withheld or answered inadequately.
Governing rule: Fed. R. Civ. P. 37
Plain-English definition
A motion to compel is filed when discovery stalls. One side argues that the other failed to answer interrogatories, produce documents, sit for a deposition, or provide complete responses. Courts usually expect the parties to meet and confer before asking for judicial help.
How it works
The moving party identifies the requests, objections, and missing answers. If granted, the court can order production and may award expenses or sanctions.
Why it matters
Discovery fights drive cost. A motion to compel can unlock key evidence or expose a party to sanctions for obstruction.
Related terms
Discovery
The pre-trial phase in which each party can obtain evidence, documents, and testimony from the other side.
Protective Order
A court order limiting discovery or controlling how confidential information may be used and shared.
Sanctions
Penalties imposed by a court for misconduct, rule violations, discovery abuse, or frivolous filings.
More in Civil Procedure
Amended Complaint
A revised complaint that changes, adds, or clarifies allegations, parties, or claims after the original complaint was filed.
Answer
The defendant's formal written response to the plaintiff's complaint, admitting or denying each allegation.
Class Certification
The judicial decision to allow a lawsuit to proceed as a class action on behalf of similarly-situated plaintiffs.
Collateral Estoppel
Also called issue preclusion. The doctrine that prevents re-litigating a specific issue that was actually decided in a prior case.
Complaint
The initial pleading filed by the plaintiff that starts a civil lawsuit.
Consolidation
Combining related cases for coordinated management, discovery, hearings, or trial.
Counterclaim
A claim brought by a defendant against the plaintiff within the same lawsuit.
Crossclaim
A claim by one party against a co-party, such as one defendant suing another defendant in the same case.
Not legal advice. Definitions are for general reference. Consult an attorney before relying on any term in a real case.