Legal Definitions - sufficient cause

Sufficient cause, also known as good cause, is a legal term that refers to a decision made by a court or authority that there is enough reason to support a case or decision. The meaning of sufficient cause can vary depending on the legal context.

In tort law, sufficient cause means that the plaintiff must show that the defendant's failure to meet a certain standard of care directly caused the plaintiff's injury. For example, if a driver runs a red light and hits a pedestrian, the driver's failure to obey traffic laws is sufficient cause for the pedestrian's injuries.

In employment law, sufficient cause is more flexible. Employers can specify in an employment contract what conduct will constitute sufficient cause for an employee's dismissal. For example, if a teacher refuses to administer alternative testing for special education students to comply with federal legislation, there exists sufficient cause to suspend the teacher for insubordination.

In immigration law, "good and sufficient" cause is often a topic of contention. The Secretary of Homeland Security has complete discretion to revoke the approval of any petition for what they deem to be good and sufficient cause. This means that determinations of sufficient cause are not subject tojudicial review.

Sufficient cause is a legal determination that there is enough reason to support a case or decision. In tort law, it means that the defendant's failure to meet a certain standard of care directly caused the plaintiff's injury. In employment law, it means that employers can specify in an employment contract what conduct will constitute sufficient cause for an employee's dismissal. In immigration law, it means that the Secretary of Homeland Security has complete discretion to revoke the approval of any petition for what they deem to be good and sufficient cause.