A. MOTIONS; IN WRITING; GROUNDS An application for an order is a motion. Every motion must state with particularity the grounds therefor and must set forth the relief or order sought. Unless made on the record during a court proceeding, or during a deposition in accordance with Rule 39 E, every motion must be in writing.
Rule 14.Motions
Current through June 1, 2026 · Last verified July 11, 2026
In one sentenceA motion is a written application asking the court for an order; it must state its grounds and the relief sought with particularity, and it follows the same captioning and signing rules as pleadings unless made orally on the record.
Full Text of Rule 14
B. FORM The rules applicable to captions, signing, and other matters of form of pleadings, including Rule 17A., apply to all motions and other documents provided for by these rules.
Amendment History
[CCP 12/2/78; amended by 1979 c.284 § 12; amended 12/14/2024]
Plain-English Summary
Rule 14 defines what a motion is and sets the baseline requirements for making one. A motion is any application to the court for an order — a request that the court do something, whether that means dismissing a claim, compelling discovery, or extending a deadline. The rule requires every motion to spell out its grounds with particularity and to specify exactly what relief or order the party wants. A judge shouldn’t have to guess what’s being asked, or why.
Most motions must be in writing. The rule carves out two exceptions: a motion made on the record during a court proceeding — an oral motion raised during a hearing, for example — and a motion made during a deposition under Rule 39 E, which lets a party or deponent ask the court to step in when the deposition is being conducted in bad faith or in a manner meant to unreasonably annoy, embarrass, or oppress someone.
Section B ties motions back to the rules governing the form of pleadings. A motion must carry the same caption and other formal elements a pleading would under Rule 16, and it must be signed the way Rule 17 A requires. Because Rule 17's certification requirements attach to any pleading, motion, or other document a party signs or files, signing a motion also means making the certifications Rule 17 C describes — including the certification that the motion isn’t filed for an improper purpose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a motion have to be in writing in Oregon?
Most motions do. Rule 14 requires a written motion unless it’s made on the record during a court proceeding — for instance, orally during a hearing — or made during a deposition under Rule 39 E.
What information does a motion have to include?
A motion must state its grounds with particularity and set out the specific relief or order the party is asking the court to grant.
Does a motion need to be signed the same way a pleading does?
Yes. Rule 14 B applies the pleading rules on captions and signing, including Rule 17 A, to motions. Because Rule 17's certification requirements reach any signed pleading, motion, or document, signing a motion also means making the certifications Rule 17 C describes, including the certification that it isn’t filed for an improper purpose.
Source & verification. The rule text is reproduced verbatim from the
official Oregon Rules of Civil Procedure (ORCP 14). Prescribed by the Council on Court Procedures (ORS 1.735), subject to amendment, repeal, or supplementation by the Oregon Legislative Assembly. The plain-English summary is original and written by us. Last verified July 11, 2026. ·
Official source
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