When can a motion to reconsider be made?

Asked by: Francesco Barton DDS  |  Last update: April 18, 2026
Score: 4.4/5 (28 votes)

A motion to reconsider can typically be made during the same meeting or the next session, by someone who voted on the prevailing side, and only when no other business is pending. In courts, deadlines are specific, often within days or weeks (e.g., 10-30 days) of the ruling, and require grounds like new evidence, a clear legal error, or manifest injustice.

When can the motion to reconsider be made?

You must file this motion within 10 days of being served with the written notice of entry of the order you want the court to reconsider. The motion must include an affidavit detailing the original order and the new information. For more details, see California Code of Civil Procedure section 1008(a) .

What are the grounds for reconsideration of a motion?

Grounds for a motion for reconsideration typically involve arguing that the court made a clear error of law or fact, the decision is contrary to the evidence, new and material evidence has emerged, the controlling law has changed, or a manifest injustice will occur without correction, essentially asking the original court to review its ruling due to specific flaws or new information not previously considered. 

What are common grounds for reconsideration?

Common grounds for reconsideration in legal or administrative matters include newly discovered evidence, clear errors of law or fact, an intervening change in controlling law, or to prevent manifest injustice, but generally not just because a party disagrees with the outcome. It's a request for the original decision-maker to review their ruling due to significant oversights or new developments, rather than an appeal to a higher court. 

Can a judge deny a motion for reconsideration?

A motion for reconsideration may be properly denied if based on unraised facts known to the movant prior to entry of judgment.

MOTION TO RECONSIDER?!?! Is it possible & what does it mean - let's answer some questions!

23 related questions found

What is the success rate of motions to reconsider?

Motion to reconsider success rates vary widely by jurisdiction and case type, generally being low (often under 20-30%) because they aim to correct clear errors, not reargue the case; however, success can jump significantly (e.g., up to 35% for some immigration motions) when clear overlooked evidence or misapplied law is presented, as it's sent back to the original decision-maker who can correct their own mistakes. Generic requests are rarely successful, requiring specific, compelling arguments showing manifest injustice or new facts/law.
 

What is the hardest case to win in court?

The hardest cases to win in court often involve high emotional stakes, complex evidence, or specific defenses like insanity, with sexual assault, crimes against children, and white-collar crimes frequently cited as challenging due to juror bias, weak physical evidence, or technical complexity. The insanity defense is notoriously difficult because it shifts the burden of proof and faces public skepticism. 

How to win a motion for reconsideration?

You just need to convince the court that new developments, accurate law or a correct view of the facts justify a new ruling. If you think your case has solid grounds that support a Motion for Reconsideration, go ahead – it may help you win the war.

What happens if reconsideration is denied?

Next Steps After a Reconsideration Denial

You must request a hearing within 60 days of receiving that notice. A hearing will allow you to present evidence, witnesses, and arguments to convince an administrative law judge that you qualify for disability benefits.

What is the reason for motion to reconsider?

Grounds for a motion for reconsideration typically involve arguing that the court made a clear error of law or fact, the decision is contrary to the evidence, new and material evidence has emerged, the controlling law has changed, or a manifest injustice will occur without correction, essentially asking the original court to review its ruling due to specific flaws or new information not previously considered. 

What will happen if the motion for reconsideration is denied?

Conclusion. When a motion for new trial or reconsideration under Rule 37 of the Rules of Court is denied, the standard, most straightforward remedy is to appeal the original judgment or final order within the reglementary period. Failure to appeal results in finality of the judgment.

What is rule 47 of the Rules of court?

Rule 47 of the Rules of Court allows an aggrieved party to file an action for annulment of judgment or final orders under extraordinary circumstances.

What happens after a motion to reconsider?

A motion to reconsider is a formal request made to a court or decision-making body to review and change a previous ruling or decision. This type of motion is typically filed after a decision has been made and is often seen as a step before an appeal.

What is the 3 day motion rule?

The movant must show that all adverse parties were duly served with a copy of the motion (and its annexes, if any) at least three (3) calendar days before the hearing, unless a different period is fixed by the rules or court order.

What is the purpose of the motion for reconsideration?

A motion for reconsideration is a request made to a court to review and change its previous decision based on new evidence, changes in law, or errors in the original ruling. This legal mechanism allows parties to seek a second chance if they believe the court's earlier decision was incorrect or unjust.

What's the success rate of reconsideration?

The initial appeal, or Reconsideration, has a low SSDI appeal approval rate, typically around 13-15%. Most claimants must proceed to the next stage. Your chances of winning a disability appeal improve significantly if you get a hearing before a judge.

How to write a strong reconsideration request?

Although you may want to write a longer letter that states all the reasons they should reconsider, you could have better success if you keep it brief. Use a professional tone: Keep a professional tone to help sell your argument and show you have objective and legitimate reasons for requesting your reconsideration.

When can a motion be reconsidered?

A motion to reconsider can be used in the following situations: New information is obtained that was not known at the time of the original vote. An error or oversight in the original deliberation or voting process.

What is the success rate of motions for reconsideration?

Motion to reconsider success rates vary widely by jurisdiction and case type, generally being low (often under 20-30%) because they aim to correct clear errors, not reargue the case; however, success can jump significantly (e.g., up to 35% for some immigration motions) when clear overlooked evidence or misapplied law is presented, as it's sent back to the original decision-maker who can correct their own mistakes. Generic requests are rarely successful, requiring specific, compelling arguments showing manifest injustice or new facts/law.
 

What makes you look better in court?

Dress Neatly and Make Sure Your Clothes Fit

The first rule of thumb for what to wear to court is to dress appropriately by choosing clothing that looks clean, neat, and fits you well. You do not have to buy a new outfit, just be sure that you are meeting those two criteria with what you choose.

How many days motion for reconsideration?

2 Time for Filing. – The motion for reconsideration shall be filed within fifteen (15) days from notice of the decision or resolution and a copy thereof shall be served on the adverse party.

What is the stupidest court case?

We all know the most famous frivolous lawsuit story. Stella Liebeck sued McDonald's back in 1992 when she spilled hot coffee on herself. "But coffee is meant to be hot" we all cry. Dig a little deeper into the case however and it starts to look less frivolous.

What happens to 90% of court cases?

According to the Department of Justice's Bureau of Justice Assistance, "The overwhelming majority (90 to 95 percent) of cases result in plea bargaining."

What is the hardest thing to prove in court?

The hardest things to prove in court involve intent, causation (especially in medical cases where multiple factors exist), proving insanity, and overcoming the lack of physical evidence or uncooperative victims, often seen in sexual assault or domestic violence cases. Proving another person's mental state or linking a specific harm directly to negligence, rather than underlying conditions, requires strong expert testimony and overcoming common doubts.