Texas Court Reporter Practice Exam

What does it mean to 'compel' in legal terms?

1. To provide voluntary assistance

2. To force compliance with a legal duty

3. To agree to a settlement

4. To withdraw a claim

The correct answer is: To force compliance with a legal duty

In legal terms, to "compel" refers to the act of forcing compliance with a legal duty or obligation. This can involve various legal procedures, including court orders or legal requirements that enforce an individual or entity to act in accordance with the law or fulfill a legal obligation. The action might be directed towards compelling a party to provide evidence, attend a court hearing, or comply with specific legal statutes. In a courtroom context, when a judge issues a compelling order, it may involve enforcing compliance with subpoenas or other legal duties that a party is required to fulfill. The necessity of compelling action emphasizes the judicial system's role in ensuring that parties adhere to legal processes, thus upholding the rule of law and maintaining order within the legal framework. This understanding clarifies that the other options do not fit the legal definition of "compel," as they refer to different concepts entirely. For example, providing voluntary assistance is not compelling; agreeing to a settlement indicates mutual consent rather than enforcement, and withdrawing a claim signifies a voluntary decision to cease legal action rather than a situation of being compelled.