A judicial proceeding where a prior decision or order is examined by the same court, or a higher court, to determine its continued appropriateness. This examination often considers whether the original circumstances that led to the initial ruling remain valid, or if modifications are warranted due to changed conditions or new information. For example, a court may conduct one of these to assess if a child custody arrangement should be altered based on updated reports from social services or a change in the parents’ circumstances.
These proceedings are important for ensuring that legal rulings remain fair and just over time. They offer an opportunity to correct errors, address unforeseen consequences, and adapt to evolving circumstances. Historically, such examinations have been a cornerstone of legal systems aimed at achieving equitable outcomes, allowing for flexibility and responsiveness to changing societal needs and individual situations. The ability to re-evaluate prior judgements provides a crucial safeguard against rigid and potentially outdated decisions.
