What Does “Good Cause” Mean in Law? Key Contexts and How Courts Decide
The Core Principle: What Is “Good Cause”?
“Good cause” is one of the law’s most vital—and flexible—standards. At its core, it means a party must present a legally sufficient, honest, and fact-based reason to persuade a court to grant relief, make an exception, or modify a requirement. This concept is woven into nearly every part of legal practice, from civil litigation and discovery, to family and criminal law.
Judicial Discretion: Why Good Cause Is Flexible
There is no one-size-fits-all checklist for good cause. Judges are granted substantial discretion, allowing them to look at the facts and context of each case. The key consideration is fairness—has the party requesting relief acted diligently and in good faith, and is their request grounded in necessity rather than convenience?
Good Cause in Civil Litigation: Deadlines and Extensions
In civil actions, good cause is frequently invoked when a party seeks to extend deadlines, reschedule hearings, or amend pleadings. For example, Cal. Civ. Proc. Code § 1054(a) and Fed. R. Civ. P. 6(b) require good cause to enlarge time. Judges expect parties to explain any delay, such as illness, emergency, or significant new evidence. Mere inconvenience or strategic delay does not qualify.
Good Cause in Discovery Disputes
Discovery is another area where the good cause standard is essential. When seeking a protective order to keep certain information confidential, parties must demonstrate why disclosure would cause harm, annoyance, or unfair prejudice. Under Cal. Civ. Proc. Code § 2031.060(b) and Fed. R. Civ. P. 26(c), a vague or generalized claim will not suffice—concrete, specific facts must be provided.
Good Cause for Setting Aside Defaults
When a party fails to respond and default is entered, courts allow it to be set aside for “good cause.” In federal court, Fed. R. Civ. P. 55(c) governs this relief. Judges decide based on the promptness of the request, credibility of the excuse, and whether the other party would suffer undue prejudice if the default is set aside.
Good Cause in Family and Criminal Law
Beyond civil litigation, good cause plays a critical role in emergency motions in family court (such as urgent custody changes or restraining orders), as well as in requests for trial continuances or other procedural relief in criminal cases. Statutes like Cal. Penal Code § 1050(e) demonstrate its importance in these realms. The standard remains: the court must be satisfied that a real, compelling reason exists beyond personal preference.
What Courts Look For
Whether in state or federal court, several common factors are weighed:
Diligence and reasonable effort by the party seeking relief
An honest, specific explanation for the request
Absence of bad faith, strategic delay, or neglect
Impact on opposing parties and the integrity of the legal process
How to Demonstrate Good Cause Effectively
The best way to show good cause is to act promptly, present credible evidence (such as medical documentation or correspondence), and articulate why the court’s intervention best serves justice—not just your own interests. Vague requests or procrastination usually fail to convince judges.
Conclusion
“Good cause” is the legal system’s way of balancing fairness and flexibility. Whether you are in California court or federal court, knowing how to clearly state and support your reasons is essential to succeed when asking for an exception to the rules. Always consult with legal counsel when a court’s decision may turn on demonstrating good cause.
Key Citations:
Cal. Civ. Proc. Code §§ 1054(a), 2031.060(b)
Fed. R. Civ. P. 6(b), 26(c), 55(c)
Cal. Penal Code § 1050(e)
