Request Definition and Legal Meaning

On this page, you'll find the legal definition and meaning of Request, written in plain English, along with examples of how it is used.

What is Request?

History and Definition of Request

The term "request" is used in legal settings to describe the action of a person who asks another person or a higher authority, such as a judge, to provide some kind of relief or order. This can include anything from asking for a court order to halt a specific action to requesting sanctions against someone who has violated the law. The history of the term dates back to the early days of common law, where it was used to describe the formal process by which one party requested that the court take a specific action.

Over time, the meaning of the term has expanded to include a wide range of different actions, and it is now used in a variety of ways in both common law and civil law systems.

Examples of Request

1. A witness might request that certain evidence be excluded from a trial on the grounds that it was obtained illegally.

2. An attorney might request that their client be granted bail while awaiting trial.

3. A party to a lawsuit might request that a judge issue a temporary restraining order to halt a specific action.

4. A plaintiff might request that a defendant pay damages for a specific harm caused by their actions.

5. A judge might request additional information or clarification from the attorneys involved in a case before making a decision.

Legal Terms Similar to Request

• Motion: A formal request made by an attorney to the court asking for a specific ruling or order.

• Petition: A written request submitted to a court or other authority asking for a particular action to be taken.

• Injunction: A court order that requires a party to stop or refrain from a specific action.