How to argue against a motion?

Asked by: Eliezer O'Keefe  |  Last update: July 31, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (10 votes)

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.

How do you disagree with a motion?

Answering papers are your response to the motion and includes an affidavit in opposition. The affidavit in opposition is your sworn, notarized statement which explains why you want the motion to be denied. Include everything you want to say about the facts of the case and all documents you want considered by the Judge.

How do you counter a motion in court?

To properly answer a motion, you must do as follows. 1. Prepare answering papers, also referred to as opposing papers. These papers consist of a copy of your affidavit in opposition with exhibits attached; a memo of law (optional); and a litigation cover (also called a blue back).

How do I file an objection to a motion?

All objections must be made in writing.

You must include a description of the basis of your objection. If you have retained an attorney to assist you in this matter, you must include the name, address, phone number and email address of your attorney. You may attach additional pages to the objection form if necessary.

How to defend against a motion to dismiss?

To successfully defeat a motion to dismiss, a pro se plaintiff must rebut the following potential assertions:
  1. The plaintiff's allegations don't fit the facts of the case.
  2. There is a missing element of the claim.
  3. There are no factual allegations in the complaint, only conclusions.

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21 related questions found

What is the success rate of motions to dismiss?

Indeed, motions to dismiss are filed in almost all securities cases, with an approximately 50% success rate.

How to write a motion to quash?

A motion to quash typically is only two or three paragraph long. Start with a paragraph that briefly summarizes the basic facts of the case and identifies the subject of your motion. Then tell the judge exactly what you want them to do and why. A motion is persuasive writing.

How to win a motion?

  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.

How to write an opposition to a motion to dismiss?

You simply need to request that the court deny the defendant's motion to dismiss. For example, you could write the following: “For the foregoing reasons and all the others discussed in Plaintiff's Complaint, the present Motion to Dismiss should be denied.”

How long does a judge have to answer a motion?

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

How do I withdraw a motion from court?

The Chair takes a vote on the Request for Permission to Withdraw a Motion. If a majority of those present and voting are in favor of withdrawing the motion, then it is withdrawn.

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.

What is against the motion?

A debate is used to cite opinions or viewpoints on a topic. There are two sides of debates. The first side is 'for the motion', that is, for the topic, and the second side is 'against the motion' or against the topic.

How do you challenge 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.

What acts to oppose motion?

Friction is a force that opposes motion.

How do you start a debate against the motion?

Presenting the Debate
  1. Greet the audience. You should always greet your audience. ...
  2. State what your side is arguing. After you greet your audience, concisely state your team's argument. ...
  3. Make eye contact with audience members. Try to make eye contact with individual persons in the audience. ...
  4. Speak slowly and clearly.

How do you reject a motion?

A motion requests the Court to take action under a specific Federal Rule. To oppose a motion, you must prepare an affidavit or affirmation. You will title your submission as appropriate, for example: plaintiff s opposition to defendant's motion to dismiss or for summary judgment.

How do you dismiss a motion?

Steps to File a Motion to Dismiss
  1. Review the Complaint Thoroughly. Carefully read the plaintiff's complaint to identify any legal deficiencies. ...
  2. Research Relevant Laws and Precedents. ...
  3. Draft the Motion. ...
  4. Include a Conclusion. ...
  5. File the Motion with the Court.

How persuasive is a motion to dismiss?

The legal arguments in a motion to dismiss must be extremely persuasive and supported by relevant facts. If the court has any doubts about an individual's entitlement to dismissal, those doubts will be resolved in the plaintiff's favor and the motion will be denied.

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 defend a motion to compel?

The answering or objecting party may file a response to the motion to compel. The response must contain adequate justification for that party's objections, or argument showing why the party's answers to the discovery requests at issue were sufficient.

How to argue a motion before a judge?

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 is the reason for motion to quash?

If a defendant thinks the other side did not have the Complaint and Summons properly served, they can file a motion to ask the judge to cancel (to quash) the service. This is called a motion to quash service of summons.

What is a good sentence for quash?

Now we need to get his conviction quashed completely. A court quashed the bylaw after protests from civil liberties groups. The case has been referred back to the Court of Appeal to quash the conviction. If not the Court of Appeal had correctly quashed it.

What happens if you sue the wrong party?

The term “misjoinder,” on the other hand, refers to the situation where a plaintiff names a completely incorrect party. In this situation, the plaintiff has filed a lawsuit against a person or entity who should not have been included in the lawsuit. This is the more serious mistake that often results in dismissal.