Motion to Reconsider Law and Legal Definition
A motion to reconsider is governed by federal and state laws, which vary by jurisdiction. It is often a prelude to an appeal of a court decision or may be used to contest a vote taken by a government or other decision-making body. The following is an example of one state's law governing a motion for reconsideration;
A party may file a motion for reconsideration only of a decision by the judges (1) terminating review, or (2) granting or denying a personal restraint petition on the merits. The motion should be in the form and be served and filed as provided in he rules 17.3 (a), 17.4 (a) & (g), and 18.5. A party may not file a motion for reconsideration of an order refusing to modify a ruling by the commissioner or clerk.
The party must file a motion for reconsideration within 20 days after the decision the party wants reconsidered is filed in the appellate court.
The motion should state with particularity the points of law or fact that the moving party contends court has overlooked or misapprehended, together with a brief argument on the points raised.