term:

Show

show vt

showed
shown or: showed
show·ing
: to demonstrate or establish by argument, reasoning, or evidence [must a compelling need for the court action]

show cause
: to establish by reasoning and evidence a valid reason for something [if a debtor wishes to extend a plan beyond three years, he must show cause "J. H. Williamson"] [must show cause why the petition may not be granted]

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