Good Cause

Legally adequate or substantial grounds or reason to take a certain action.

The term good cause is a relative one and is dependent upon the circumstances of each individual case. For example, a party in a legal action who wants to do something after a particular Statute of Limitations has expired must show good cause, or justification for needing additional time. A serious illness or accident might, for example, constitute good cause.

An employee is said to be discharged for good cause if the reasons for the termination are work related. However, if the employer simply did not like the employee's personality, this would not ordinarily constitute good cause, unless the employee held a position, such as a salesperson, for which a likable personality was required.

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good cause n. a legally sufficient reason for a ruling or other action by a judge. The language is commonly: "There being good cause shown, the court orders...."