show cause order

American  

noun

Law.

1. a court order issued to a party in a lawsuit, directing that party to appear to give reasons why a certain action should not be put into effect by the court.

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Example Sentences

District Judge T. Kent Wetherell issued a “show cause order” giving the administration until the afternoon to explain what happened and, if true, to argue how the paroles didn’t violate his restraining order.

From Washington Times

The department on June 29 had issued a show cause order proposing the restrictions after the U.S.

From Reuters

Sampson decamped to the NBA’s Milwaukee Bucks and Houston Rockets, then—once that “show cause” order had expired—stayed in Houston and went to coach the Cougars, who he’s led to a Sweet 16 and now a Final Four in seven seasons on the job.

From Slate

Mullen was hit with a one-year show cause order, during which he was prohibited from all off-campus recruiting activity this past fall.

From Washington Times

Graham was also given a six-month show cause order by the NCAA.

From Seattle Times