What is defendant's motion to compel?
Asked by: Jodie Farrell | Last update: April 10, 2025Score: 4.7/5 (60 votes)
A motion to compel asks the court to order either the opposing party or a third party to take some action. This sort of motion most commonly deals with discovery disputes, when a party who has propounded discovery to either the opposing party or a third party believes that the discovery responses are insufficient.
What is the purpose of a motion to compel?
A motion to compel responses to interrogatories or requests for production is made through a motion. A motion is a request to the judge to issue an order of some sort. A written motion consists of four parts (the Notice of Motion and Motion are combined):
Is a motion to compel good or bad?
Motions to compel are often necessary to set the tone in your case and acquire the documents and information you need to win your case. Grounds: When a party who has propounded discovery believes the responses are inadequate, the propounding party may move for a motion to compel a further response. (Code Civ.
What happens if you don't respond to a motion to compel?
Courts enforce their orders by imposing sanctions on a party who fails to comply. Sanctions can be monetary, such as requiring one party to pay the other parties attorneys' fees and/or imposing a monetary fine, or they can hamper a party's ability to put on their case.
How long does a motion to compel take?
It depends if there was a hearing or not on your motion to compel. If there was not a hearing, you can expect an order on the motion generally within 30 days, depending on how busy the judge's desk is.
Discovery: What is a Motion to Compel?
How do you win a motion to compel?
- Act in good Faith.
- Thorough Knowledge of the Case.
- Limit citing voluminous authorities.
- Avoid Personal Attacks.
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.
Why would a judge deny a motion to compel?
Your attorney must either accept this decision or appeal it and continue pursuing the material through other legal channels. A judge might deny a motion to compel for several reasons, including: The requested information was not essential to the case. The opposing party already produced the requested material.
Is a motion to compel a subpoena?
A motion to compel is the method by which a subpoenaing party may compel production, if the reporter refuses to comply with the demands of the subpoena.
What is a motion to compel settlement?
One of the most common practices to enforce a settlement agreement is to file a motion to enforce settlement agreement in court. This motion calls on the court to enforce the agreed upon terms, and the judge has the final say. His or her role is to analyze evidence presented and listen to oral testimony by both sides.
What consequences can result from a refusal to cooperate with an order compelling discovery?
Failure of United States to Participate in Good Faith in Discovery. Rule 37 authorizes the court to direct that parties or attorneys who fail to participate in good faith in the discovery process pay the expenses, including attorney's fees, incurred by other parties as a result of that failure.
Does a motion to compel require a separate statement?
All discovery motions should include a notice of motion and motion. In addition, motions to compel further responses must include a separate statement and meet and confer declaration.
What does compel mean legally?
compel vt. com·pelled. com·pel·ling. : to cause to do or occur by overwhelming pressure and esp. by authority or law [cannot the defendant to testify] [the result…
What is the force to compel?
Term: COMPEL. Definition: To force someone to do something they may not want to do, either by using threats or overwhelming pressure. For example, a lawyer cannot be forced to share information that is supposed to be kept private. It can also mean that a law or court decision leaves no other choice but to agree with it ...
What is a motion to compel good faith letter?
This letter is often called a good faith letter. And it is needed under many courts' rules before you can file a motion to compel discovery if the other party ignores your requests or provides evasive responses or move for sanctions if your opponent refuses to comply with the court's discovery order.
What is a motion to dismiss?
A motion to dismiss is a formal request by a party to the court to dismiss a case. This pretrial motion is often filed before a criminal or civil case begins. Often, the defendant files this type of motion shortly after receiving the complaint and before engaging in further legal proceedings.
What happens after a motion to compel is filed?
Opposing counsel may but does not have to respond to the motion to compel. The court at the hearing will then enter an order on the motion to compel and will likely issue sanctions against the other party.
What happens if someone ignores a motion to compel?
If a party or party's officer, director, or managing agent fails to obey a discovery order, the court may issue further orders. A court must also order a disobedient party, the advising attorney, or both to pay expenses resulting from the failure to reply.
Can you oppose a motion to compel?
Oppositions to motions to compel must be filed no later than 9 days before the hearing. Replies must be filed no later than 5 days before the hearing. Service of oppositions and replies require receipt by the opposing party within 1 business day of the filing deadline. (Code Civ.
How do you respond to 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.
What is the difference between a motion to compel and a subpoena?
In other words, the issuing party must file a motion to compel with the court in order to shift the burden of compliance back to you. If the court grants the motion, you must comply with the subpoena; however, it is possible that the court may only compel compliance with part of the subpoena.
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.
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 .
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.
Can a judge ignore a motion to dismiss?
A motion to dismiss might be delayed if there is a question as to whether or not the party with the burden of proof can make a prima facie showing of their case. If it is a close call from the pleadings a judge may allow the plaintiff the opportunity to make that case (or not) before ruling.