Court Reporter Practice Exam

What is the purpose of a Motion to Compel?

1. To request a continuation of the trial

2. To ask the court for an opinion on a legal question

3. To require the opposing party to perform a specific act

4. To challenge the eligibility of a witness

The correct answer is: To require the opposing party to perform a specific act

The purpose of a Motion to Compel is to require the opposing party to perform a specific act, typically related to the discovery process in a legal case. When one party believes that the other party has not complied with legal obligations—such as providing requested documents, answering interrogatories, or participating in depositions—they can file a Motion to Compel. This motion is a request for the court to order the non-compliant party to fulfill their obligations as dictated by the rules of civil procedure. In essence, the Motion to Compel is a critical tool in litigation used to ensure that all parties adhere to the established procedures for exchanging information. This helps maintain the integrity of the legal process and ensures that both sides can adequately prepare for trial. By compelling an action from the opposing party, it aims to promote fairness and transparency within the judicial process. The other choices, such as requesting a continuation of the trial or asking for a court's opinion on a legal question, address different procedural issues and do not relate to the enforcement of discovery obligations. Similarly, challenging the eligibility of a witness pertains to a different aspect of litigation, focusing on the admissibility and credibility of evidence rather than procedural compliance in the exchange of information.