term:

Argue

argue vb

ar·gued
ar·gu·ing
vi
1 : to give reasons for or against a matter in dispute [arguing for an extension]
2 : to present a case in court [will for the defense]
vt
1 a : to give reasons for or against [argued the issue before the judge]
b : to prove or try to prove by giving reasons or evidence [will invasion of privacy]
2 : to present in court [lawyers in court filing briefs and arguing appeals "Rorie Sherman"]
ar·gu·able adj

Source: Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law ©1996. Merriam-Webster, Incorporated. Published under license with Merriam-Webster, Incorporated.