Which term is approximately equivalent to the term "sua sponte"?

The term "sua sponte" is a Latin phrase that translates to "on its own motion" or "of its own accord." In legal contexts, it refers to actions taken by a judge or court without a formal request from either party in a case. The equivalent term "suo moto" also aligns closely with this meaning, indicating actions taken voluntarily or spontaneously by the court.

Both terms relate to the authority exercised by a judge or court to make decisions without prompting from the parties involved. Thus, the choice of "suo moto" as the correct equivalent to "sua sponte" accurately reflects the concept of a court acting on its own initiative.