What is a show cause order?

A show cause order is a judicial directive that compels an individual or entity to appear in court and explain or justify their actions regarding a specific issue. It serves as a notice that the court requires the party to provide reasons why a certain action should not be taken or why a particular outcome should not occur. This is commonly used in legal contexts to ensure that the party is given an opportunity to present their case before any further legal action or decisions are made by the court.

In contrast, the other options pertain to various legal mechanisms but do not accurately define a show cause order. Reconsideration of a sentence does occur in legal processes, but it is not the primary function of a show cause order. The collection of evidence pertains more to procedures used during investigations and trial preparations, rather than a direct requirement for justification of actions. Limiting court access would relate to procedural orders that manage who can be present or participate in court proceedings but does not align with the purpose of a show cause order, which focuses on compelling a response.