Which of the following best describes a 'motion'?

A motion is best described as a formal request made to a court. This formal process involves a party asking the court to issue a ruling or order on a specific legal issue or request during the course of litigation. Motions can cover a wide range of requests, such as motions to dismiss a case, motions for summary judgment, or motions to compel discovery. The key characteristic that defines a motion is its procedural nature, which aims to prompt the court to take a particular action based on legal grounds. In essence, it allows parties to communicate their needs or issues directly to the judge in a structured manner, helping to facilitate the legal proceedings.