Which term describes a written document asking a court to decide a contested issue?

• A. Motion
• B. Injunction
• C. Mediation
• D. Arbitration

Answer: (A)

A motion is a written request filed with the court asking it to decide a contested issue. In civil procedure, a party uses a motion to seek a ruling on matters like whether there is enough evidence to proceed, or to obtain a specific remedy such as summary judgment. The motion is usually supported by a brief with legal arguments and evidence.

An injunction is a court order directing someone to do or not do something, not a request to have the court decide an issue. Mediation is a voluntary process where a neutral mediator helps parties reach a settlement, with no court decision involved. Arbitration is a private process where a neutral arbitrator makes a binding decision after hearing both sides, outside the court system.