Court Reporter Practice Exam

In criminal law, what does a motion for sanction typically aim to do?

1. Obtain a plea agreement

2. Compel discovery

3. Dismiss the case

4. Appeal a previous ruling

The correct answer is: Compel discovery

A motion for sanction in the context of criminal law is primarily aimed at compelling discovery. Discovery refers to the pre-trial phase in which each party can request relevant information or evidence from the other side. If one party believes the other has failed to comply with discovery obligations, they may file a motion for sanctions. This motion seeks to enforce compliance, potentially by requesting the court to impose penalties or compel the production of the requested materials. In some cases, if the court finds that a party has engaged in obstructive behavior regarding discovery, the sanctions may also involve penalties, which can range from monetary fines to more severe consequences, such as limiting a party's evidence in court. The focus of the motion is to ensure fairness in the legal process by enforcing rules that allow both sides access to the necessary information for a fair trial.