What is a motion in legal terms?

A motion in legal terms refers to a formal written or oral application for a ruling or order made to a court or judge. This definition encapsulates the purpose and function of a motion within legal proceedings, as it is a means by which parties can request the court to make a specific decision regarding a case. Motions can address a wide variety of issues, including requesting the dismissal of a case, seeking a change in venue, or asking for summary judgment, among other procedural requests.

In this context, the other options do not convey the full scope or nature of a motion. A verdict is the outcome of a jury's deliberation, while an informal request made during a trial lacks the formal structure associated with a motion. Additionally, legal documents filed for appeals represent a different procedural step in the legal process and are distinct from motions made during the course of ongoing litigation. Therefore, the definition provided in the correct answer accurately reflects the authoritative nature of motions in the legal system.