Order to show cause

What order to show cause means

In practice, you will see order to show cause in pleadings, motions, orders and court rules. The definition above explains the general meaning. Even so, the meaning can shift with context. Therefore, always read it alongside the rule or document where it appears.

Where order to show cause comes up

For example, the term appears in these procedures:

• Request for Order to Show Cause (Fed. R. Civ. P. 7(b)(1); 11(c)(3); 28 U.S.C. § 2243; local rules): a request asking the court to issue an order to show cause — an order directing a party or person to appear and explain why the court should not take a stated action, such as holding them in contempt for disobeying an order, granting an injunction or imposing sanctions.
• Motion for Sanctions under Rule 11 (Fed. R. Civ. P. 11(c)): a motion asking the court to sanction a party or attorney for a filing that violates Rule 11(b).

How to research the term

To research order to show cause, begin with the rule, statute or contract where the word is used. Each one can give it a slightly different meaning. Then compare that text with how courts in your area have applied it. Also check the local rules of your court, since they can add requirements. If your case is in state court, the state rules control. So start with our state procedures guide to find them. In the end, always confirm that the source you rely on is current.

You can read the official rule text online for free.

Related legal terms

• Sanctions: penalties a court may impose for violating rules or orders.
• Gamesmanship: not a defined legal term; courts use it to describe tactics that exploit procedure to gain an unfair advantage instead of resolving the dispute on the merits — for example, hiding evidence, filing to delay, or ambushing an opponent.
• Bad faith: dishonest or improper purpose, such as intentionally misleading someone, acting with a motive to harass or delay, or knowingly refusing to meet an obligation.

Why precise terms matter

Legal words often look like everyday words, but they can carry a precise meaning. Because of that, a small misreading can change how you understand a deadline, a duty or a right. Our glossary keeps each definition short and links it to the procedures where it matters.