Legal Definitions - reasonable excuse

Reasonable Excuse

A reasonable excuse refers to a valid and objectively justifiable reason for an individual's action or inaction, particularly when that action or inaction might otherwise be considered a breach of duty, an offense, or a failure to comply with a requirement. It implies that a typical, sensible person, when presented with the same circumstances, would understand and accept the justification for the behavior.

While the source definition cross-references probable cause, it's important to note that these are distinct legal concepts. Probable cause is a standard primarily used to justify law enforcement actions like arrests or searches. In contrast, a reasonable excuse serves as a defense or justification for an individual's own conduct or failure to act.

Here are some examples illustrating the concept of a reasonable excuse:

• Missing a Court Appearance Due to a Medical Emergency: Imagine someone is issued a summons to appear in court for a minor traffic violation. On the morning of their court date, they experience a sudden, severe allergic reaction that requires immediate emergency medical attention, making it impossible for them to attend court. If they can provide medical documentation to the court, their inability to appear would likely be considered a reasonable excuse, potentially leading the court to reschedule their hearing rather than issuing a warrant for their arrest.

• Delay in Fulfilling a Contractual Obligation Due to Natural Disaster: A small business owner has a contract to deliver custom-made furniture by a specific date. A week before the deadline, an unexpected and severe regional flood makes all roads impassable, prevents access to their workshop, and damages some of their equipment. Despite their best efforts, they cannot complete or deliver the furniture on time. The flood, being an unforeseen and unavoidable event beyond their control, would likely constitute a reasonable excuse for the delay, potentially protecting them from breach of contract penalties if they promptly notify the client and work towards a new delivery schedule.

• Brief Trespass to Avoid Immediate Danger: A pedestrian is walking on a public sidewalk when they are suddenly confronted by an aggressive, unleashed dog. To avoid being attacked, they quickly step over a low fence into the adjacent private yard for a few moments until the dog is safely restrained by its owner. While entering private property without permission is typically trespassing, the immediate threat of harm from the dog would serve as a reasonable excuse for their brief entry onto the property, making it unlikely they would face legal repercussions for trespass.