Legal Definitions - re-refer

re-refer

To re-refer means to send a matter, case, or individual back to an authority, department, or expert for renewed consideration, further action, or review. This typically occurs after an initial referral has already taken place, or when new information or circumstances necessitate a second look by the same or a different party.

• Example 1: Legal Proceedings

  A judge in a civil dispute initially referred both parties to a court-appointed mediator to try and settle their disagreement outside of trial. After several sessions, the mediation failed to produce a resolution. The judge might then re-refer the case to a different, more specialized mediator, or to a special master to investigate specific factual issues, hoping to find a path forward before proceeding to trial.

  This illustrates re-refer because the case is being sent back to an expert (a new mediator or special master) for further action after the initial referral to mediation did not achieve its intended outcome.

• Example 2: Administrative Review

  A citizen submitted a complex application for a building permit to the city's planning department. The application was initially reviewed by one officer, who identified several ambiguities in the proposed plans. After the citizen revised and resubmitted the plans with clearer details, the department head decided to re-refer the updated application to a senior zoning expert for a comprehensive re-evaluation, ensuring all regulations are met.

  Here, the application is being sent back for a second, more detailed review by a different expert after new information was provided, demonstrating a subsequent referral for reconsideration.

• Example 3: Professional Consultation

  A patient was initially referred by their general practitioner to a dermatologist for a persistent skin condition. After a few months of treatment, the condition unexpectedly worsened, and new symptoms appeared. The general practitioner might then re-refer the patient to the same dermatologist for an urgent follow-up and adjustment of the treatment plan, or to a different specialist for a second opinion on the evolving condition.

  This demonstrates a re-referral because the patient is being sent again to a specialist for further evaluation and action due to a change in circumstances, building upon the initial referral.