motion to compel

Definition

A formal request asking the judge to force the other side to comply with discovery requests they've been avoiding. It's the legal equivalent of tattling to the teacher when someone won't share.

Example Usage

After months of evasive responses, the plaintiff filed a motion to compel, demanding that the defendant actually produce the requested documents.

Origin

Codified in modern civil procedure rules in the 20th century as part of formal discovery mechanisms

Fun Fact

Judges hate hearing discovery disputes and often punish both sides for wasting court time, making the motion to compel a risky tactical move.

Source: Common legal terminology

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