A document by which a party asks the judge to make a decision or take action before the trial begins is called what?

• A. Diversion programs
• B. Furlough
• C. Pre-Trial Motions
• D. Summons

Answer: (C)

A pre-trial motion is a request filed with the judge before the trial begins asking for a ruling or for the court to take action that can shape how the trial will proceed. It’s the formal vehicle for asking the court to decide issues or to issue orders ahead of time, such as suppressing evidence, excluding certain testimony, or addressing other procedural or constitutional matters. The key point is timing and purpose: these requests are made before the trial starts and seek an official court decision that can affect the upcoming proceedings. The other terms don’t fit because a summons is merely a notice to appear in court, a diversion program is an alternative handling option outside formal prosecution, and furlough is temporary leave, not a court-ordered action or ruling before trial.