How to argue a motion before a judge?

Asked by: Dale Bechtelar DVM  |  Last update: October 15, 2025
Score: 4.4/5 (41 votes)

"Try to put yourself in the place of the judges and think about but what questions they would ask and work on short, clear and accurate answers to all of them." "Research, research, research. Then think about how to explain the case and your arguments in a compelling way." "Rehearse, rehearse, rehearse.

How to argue against a motion?

If one party to a case has filed a motion with the court, the other side can file an “opposition.” An “opposition” is a written statement explaining to the judge why the other side is not entitled to whatever he is asking for in his motion. It is your opportunity to oppose the other side's request.

Do judges read motions before court?

If you are referring to motions on legal issues the judge will review them in the course of the hearing or trial. If you are referring to documents to be submitted as evidence the judge may rule on their relevance and/or admissibility prior to going forward .

How to win a motion hearing?

  1. Understand Judicial Attention Spans:
  2. Be Certain Your Brief and Arguments Tell the Story. ...
  3. Employ Innocence by Association. ...
  4. Avoid “Red Flag” Clues for the Judicial Reader. ...
  5. Avoid Ad Hominem Attacks and Language. ...
  6. Argue to Win. ...
  7. Never Squander Credibility.

Is there a way to talk to a judge before court?

For most court cases, ex parte communication is strictly prohibited, as it can impact the decision of the case. If you are currently in a case, you are not permitted to contact a judge outside of the courtroom. Instead of contacting the judge directly, you can file a written motion.

Tips on oral arguments by Judge Paul Hyman

42 related questions found

What not to say to a judge?

Here are five things all defendants will want to avoid saying to a criminal judge:
  • 'I Did It. ' ...
  • 'They Didn't Tell Me...' ...
  • Expletives. ...
  • Lies, Lies, Lies. ...
  • 'I Will Represent Myself.

How to prepare a motion for court?

General format - each motion generally consists of a case caption, a title that briefly identifies the relief sought, a series of numbered paragraphs that explains -- in a logical way -- why you are entitled to that relief, a prayer for relief, a signature block, a certification that a copy of the motion was sent to ...

What must you say to make a motion?

To make a motion, you must first be recognized and given the floor by the meeting chairperson or presiding officer. Once you have the floor, state the motion as “I move (state your motion here).”

Can a judge refuse to hear a motion?

The judge, as the central figure, listens to the arguments, asks questions, and ultimately decides whether to grant or deny the motion.

How to prove you were not served properly?

Surveillance: You can provide surveillance footage showing you were not served at the alleged date or that the service was improper. Mail Records: If there's no mail delivered to you or if you haven't signed the receipt. It can indicate improper service.

How long does it take for a judge to approve a motion?

Under normal circumstances when courts are open, a motion becomes "ripe" to rule upon after any opposition to the motion has been filed or the time to do so has passed. For most motions, that is 15 days from filing of the motion, plus an additional 3 days if the motion was mailed to the opposing party.

Can a judge refuse to look at evidence?

Lawful suppression of evidence means the judge rejects the use of the evidence in the court because they think that the evidence may be inadmissible due to a violation of the Constitution or other statutes that permit the evidence to be excluded.

What is the first thing a judge says in court?

The bailiff announces when a judge enters a courtroom by saying, “All rise!” to show respect. Everyone stands until the judge says, “Please be seated.”

How do you start a debate for a motion?

You can start your speech with a powerful quote. It will hook the audience instantly. Or you could start with introducing yourself like "Hello/Good Morning Ladies and Gentlemen", "Welcome to this side of the house", then you can present the motion of your debate. The audience must understand the topic of your debate.

What are the 5 ways to argue?

5 Ways Couples Can Argue Like They're On The Same Team—By A Psychologist
  • 'Me Versus You' To 'Us Versus The Problem' ...
  • Take Tactical Pauses. ...
  • Use A Gentle Start-Up. ...
  • Apologize When Necessary. ...
  • Stay Focused On The Issue At Hand.

What is the first way argument from motion?

The Argument from Motion: Our senses can perceive motion by seeing that things act on one another. Whatever moves is moved by something else. Consequently, there must be a First Mover that creates this chain reaction of motions. This is God.

What is the lazy judge rule?

If the court fails to rule, on a motion of a party, commonly referred to as the Lazy Judge rule, the case may be withdrawn from the trial court judge and transferred to the Supreme Court for assignment to a Special Judge to decide. In most cases, it is not prudent or wise to file a lazy judge motion.

Why would a judge decline a motion?

If you fail to support your motion with a memorandum of points and authorities, the court could deny the motion because you have implicitly admitted there is no basis for it.

Under what circumstances will a judge grant a motion?

How do I get the judge to grant my motion? A judge will make his/her decision on a motion based on the law that applies, the facts of the situation, and the arguments made by the parties for, and against, the motion.

How do you argue a motion?

Preparing Your Oral Argument

In planning your presentation, make sure to highlight and make a theme of your case's merits. But also anticipate problems for your side and prepare responses to questions the judges are likely to ask or to issues that opposing counsel is likely to raise in his or her presentation.

What puts everything in motion?

Everything needs a push or pull, a force, to make it move or stop. Motion requires force, because as we say in the song, Inertia is a property of matter. Inertia is the tendency for any moving object to keep moving and any object at rest to remain at rest.

What is a good sentence for motion?

Examples of motion in a Sentence

He made hand motions to get our attention. She made a motion calling for the repeal of the law. Her motion was voted on. His lawyer filed a motion for a mistrial.

How to get a judge to rule in your favor?

Judges expect advocates to present arguments completely and honestly. Completely means knowing the record as well the adversary's con- tentions. Honestly means presenting all information accurately, even if that requires the advocate to concede some points. a trial or appellate judge is to win.

What happens when a motion is denied?

The court will then decide as to whether the motion is granted or denied. If the motion is granted, it means that the document or proceeding in question is declared invalid or void. If the motion is denied, the document or proceeding remains in effect, and the case or legal process will continue.

How long does a judge have to respond to a motion?

Sometimes, the Judge makes a decision right away. If not, the Judge has 60 days by law to decide the motion.