What is an order to show cause?

An order to show cause is a written court order issued by a judge in Indiana. It requires a person or persons (the defendant) to appear in court and explain why the court should not take a certain action. The order gives the defendant an opportunity to provide evidence or argument as to why the court should not take the specified action. If the defendant does not show cause or fails to provide convincing evidence or arguments, the court may take the action specified in the order. In Indiana, orders to show cause are typically issued when a court needs additional information before it can make a decision in a case. The order provides an opportunity for the defendant to appear in court and explain his or her side of the story. For example, a defendant may be asked to show cause why the court should not grant a restraining order against him or her. The defendant would then be given an opportunity to present a defense or argument as to why the court should not take the specified action. In general, orders to show cause are issued to provide a defendant with an opportunity to present evidence or argument that may persuade the court to rule differently than it would have without hearing the defendant’s case.

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What is an order to show cause?

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