rule to show cause

1 definition found

rule to show cause - Bouvier's Law Dictionary, Revised 6th Ed (1856) :

  RULE TO SHOW CAUSE. An order made by the court, in a particular case, upon 
  motion of one of the parties calling upon the other to appear at a 
  particular time before the court, to show cause, if any he have, why a 
  certain thing should not be done. 
       2. This rule is granted generally upon the oath or affirmation of the 
  applicant; but upon the hearing, the evidence of competent witnesses must be 
  given to support the rule, and the affidavit of the applicant is 
  insufficient.