Request

What request means

In short, request definition is a term you will meet in court papers, rules and legal research. The definition above gives its usual meaning in American civil practice. However, the exact meaning can depend on the rule, statute or court decision that uses it. So it helps to read the term in context.

Where request definition comes up

For example, the term appears in these procedures:

• Request (Court Filing) (Fed. R. Civ. P. 7(b)(1); local rules): a paper asking the court or the clerk to take an action. Many courts use "request" in the name of specific filings — for example a request for judicial notice, a request for entry of default or a request for a hearing — while others call the same filing a motion or an application.
• Request for Judicial Notice (Fed. R. Evid. 201): a request asking the court to accept a fact as true without formal proof because it is not subject to reasonable dispute — for example the contents of court records, public records of a government agency, or a date on a calendar.
• Requests for Production of Documents (Fed. R. Civ. P. 34): requests that another party produce documents, electronically stored information or tangible things, or permit inspection.
• Requests for Admission (Fed. R. Civ. P. 36): written requests asking another party to admit the truth of specific matters.

How to research the term

To research request definition, 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

• Judicial notice: a court's acceptance of a fact as true without formal proof because it is not subject to reasonable dispute — it is generally known within the trial court's territorial jurisdiction, or can be accurately and readily determined from sources whose accuracy cannot reasonably be questioned (Fed. R. Evid. 201(b)).
• Judicial: relating to the courts, judges or the administration of justice. For example, judicial power is the power to decide cases, and a judicial act is one a judge performs in that role.
• Discovery: the pretrial process in which parties obtain information and evidence from each other and from nonparties.
• Request for production: a discovery request asking another party to produce documents, electronically stored information or tangible things.
• Request for admission: a discovery request asking another party to admit the truth of a specific matter.

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.