show vt showed, shown, or, showed, show·ing: to demonstrate or establish by argument, reasoning, or evidence
must show 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
Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary of Law. Merriam-Webster. 1996.