When a court, administrative body, or other decision-making authority issues an unfavorable decision, an individual may have an opportunity to ask for that decision to be reviewed again. A motion for reconsideration is a formal request that asks the authority to review its previous decision because of a legal, factual, procedural, or other significant issue.
A request motion for reconsideration sample letter can provide a useful starting point for understanding how to structure such a request. While the exact requirements vary by court and jurisdiction, an effective request should clearly identify the original decision, explain the specific reason reconsideration is appropriate, and provide relevant supporting information. It should remain factual, respectful, and focused on the issues that matter.
What Is a Motion for Reconsideration?
A motion for reconsideration is a formal request asking a court or decision-making authority to reconsider an earlier ruling or decision. It is generally not intended to provide an opportunity to repeat arguments that have already been considered.
The purpose is usually to point out a significant matter that may have been overlooked, an error in the decision, newly available information, or another recognized basis for review. Because the rules differ between jurisdictions, applicants should review the applicable court rules and procedural requirements before submitting anything.
When Can You Request Reconsideration?
The circumstances under which reconsideration may be available depend on the type of proceeding and the applicable rules. In some situations, reconsideration may be appropriate when the court overlooked an important fact or legal argument.
Other possible reasons may include:
A material factual error
A significant legal error
Newly discovered evidence
A procedural issue
Evidence that was previously unavailable
A relevant matter that was overlooked
A significant change affecting the decision
Not every disagreement with a ruling provides a sufficient basis for reconsideration. The request should identify a specific issue rather than simply state that the decision was unfavorable.
Check the Applicable Rules First
Before preparing a motion, check the rules governing the relevant court or authority. These rules may establish a deadline, filing procedure, formatting requirements, page limits, supporting documents, and requirements for notifying other parties.
Deadlines can be particularly important. Missing a filing deadline may prevent the request from being considered.
The correct terminology can also vary. Some jurisdictions use the term "motion for reconsideration," while others may use different procedures or names for requesting review of a decision.
What Should the Request Include?
A well-organized request should make the relevant information easy to understand. It typically identifies the parties, case or matter number, date of the original decision, and specific decision being challenged.
The request should then explain why reconsideration is justified. Instead of providing a long narrative, focus on the particular issue that you believe requires another review.
A useful structure may include:
Court or authority name
Case or matter information
Title of the motion
Identification of the decision
Grounds for reconsideration
Supporting facts or law
Requested relief
Signature and date
Clearly Identify the Original Decision
The opening portion should make clear which decision you are asking the authority to reconsider. Include the relevant date and case or matter number when applicable.
For example, rather than writing that "the decision was incorrect," identify the specific order, ruling, or determination and explain what part you believe requires review.
This helps prevent confusion and allows the decision-maker to focus on the precise issue being raised.
Explain the Grounds for Reconsideration
The central part of the request should explain why the earlier decision should be reviewed.
If you believe an important fact was overlooked, explain what the fact was and why it could affect the outcome. If you believe there was a legal error, identify the relevant legal issue and explain your position clearly.
If you are presenting newly discovered evidence, explain why the evidence was not previously available and why it is relevant.
Avoid making broad accusations. A focused explanation supported by appropriate documentation is generally more effective than emotional or repetitive arguments.
Attach Relevant Evidence
Supporting documentation can help demonstrate the basis of your request. Depending on the circumstances, this might include records, correspondence, court documents, reports, declarations, or other relevant evidence.
Each document should have a clear purpose. If you refer to an attachment in the motion, identify it appropriately so the reader understands how it relates to your argument.
Do not include confidential or irrelevant material unless it is appropriate and permitted under the applicable rules.
Keep the Tone Professional
A motion for reconsideration should use a formal and respectful tone. Even if you strongly disagree with the decision, avoid insulting, threatening, or accusing the decision-maker.
Use clear language and focus on the facts and legal issues. The objective is to demonstrate why reconsideration is warranted rather than express frustration about the outcome.
Professional presentation also includes checking spelling, dates, case numbers, names, citations, and supporting documents before filing.
Sample Request for Reconsideration
The following is a general example that can be adapted to the circumstances and applicable procedural requirements:
Subject: Request for Reconsideration of Decision
Dear [Judge/Decision-Making Authority],
I respectfully submit this request for reconsideration of the decision issued on [Date] concerning [brief description of the matter]. The relevant case or matter number is [Number].
I request reconsideration because [briefly state the specific reason]. In particular, [explain the material fact, legal issue, newly available evidence, or procedural matter that supports the request].
The issue is significant because [explain how the matter could affect the original decision]. I have included [identify relevant supporting documents] for consideration.
I respectfully request that the decision dated [Date] be reconsidered in light of the information and arguments presented above. I appreciate the time and attention given to this request.
Respectfully,
[Full Name]
[Address, if required]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]
[Date]
Avoid Repeating the Entire Original Case
One of the most important considerations is relevance. A reconsideration request should not simply reproduce every argument from the original filing.
Instead, identify the particular point that you believe was missed, misunderstood, or affected by new information. Explain that point clearly and connect it directly to the requested reconsideration.
A concise request can be easier to evaluate than a lengthy document containing unrelated information.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Several mistakes can weaken a reconsideration request. One is failing to identify a specific reason for asking for another review. Another is submitting the request after the applicable deadline.
Other issues include relying on unsupported claims, introducing irrelevant information, using an aggressive tone, failing to provide required documents, or misunderstanding the purpose of reconsideration.
It is also important to distinguish reconsideration from an appeal. They may involve different procedures, deadlines, standards, and decision-making authorities. The appropriate process depends on the specific case and applicable rules.
How DocuGov.AI Can Help
Preparing a formal request can be challenging when you need to organize facts, explain the reason for reconsideration, and maintain a professional structure. DocuGov.AI can help create a structured draft based on the information you provide.
It can assist with organizing the background, identifying the key points you want to communicate, and presenting them in a formal letter format. Users should carefully review any generated document and make sure that every factual and legal statement is accurate before submitting it.
For court-related matters, a generated draft should not be treated as a substitute for legal advice or the applicable procedural rules.
Final Thoughts
A request for reconsideration should be precise, organized, and supported by a legitimate basis for review. Start by identifying the decision, explain the specific issue that warrants reconsideration, provide relevant supporting information, and clearly state what you are asking the authority to do.
Most importantly, check the applicable rules and deadlines before submitting the request. Requirements can vary significantly depending on the jurisdiction and type of proceeding. A carefully prepared document that follows the correct procedure can make your request easier for the appropriate authority to understand and evaluate.
