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Motion To Strike
A motion to strike asks the judge to remove certain written statements from a court filing because they are improper, irrelevant, or prejudicial.
What it actually is
This motion targets specific parts of a pleading, such as a complaint or answer, that contain scandalous, immaterial, or redundant material. It is filed early in a case, typically before the parties begin discovery, and the judge decides whether to delete or ignore the challenged language.
Why it matters in your case
If granted, the motion cleans up the record so the opposing party cannot rely on improper allegations or arguments later. It also prevents the jury or judge from seeing inflammatory or irrelevant content that could unfairly influence the outcome.
The common misunderstanding
Many people confuse a motion to strike with a motion to dismiss, but a motion to strike only removes specific language, not the entire case. It does not challenge the legal sufficiency of the claim itself.
Get the actual rule
Definitions are orientation; rules are authority
This page explains the concept. When it matters to your case, read the rule that governs it in your court — we hold Texas, federal and Washington court rules word for word, and every state's official resources are on the state pages. If someone cites a case at you, check that it exists first.
Related
Terms that travel with this one
General explanation, not legal advice, and not specific to any state — procedures and deadlines vary by jurisdiction and court. If you can get a lawyer or free legal aid, do: every real option.