Child Protection Investigation Specialist (CPIS) Practice Exam

What is a motion to compel?

1. A request to force a party to take action

2. A document filed to dismiss a case

3. A request to modify custody arrangements

4. A type of plea submitted in court

The correct answer is: A request to force a party to take action

A motion to compel is fundamentally a request made to a court to order a party to take a specific action that they have failed to perform. This usually occurs in the context of discovery during legal proceedings, where one party believes that the other is withholding information or not complying with legal obligations, such as answering interrogatories or producing documents. The essence of this motion is to ensure fairness and compliance with the court’s rules, allowing the case to proceed without undue delays caused by one party's non-cooperation. The other options refer to different legal concepts. Dismissing a case pertains to a distinct motion that seeks to end a legal action before it proceeds to trial. Modifying custody arrangements is related to family law and does not address the procedural aspects involved in litigation where a motion to compel is typically applied. A plea submitted in court is related to criminal proceedings and does not pertain to compelling action from another party in a civil context. Thus, the request to force a party to take action clearly aligns with the definition of a motion to compel.