Equitable Tolling
/ˌɛkwɪtəbl ˈtoʊlɪŋ/
Definitions
- (n.) A legal doctrine allowing courts to pause or extend statutory deadlines if a plaintiff, acting with due diligence, was prevented from filing on time due to extraordinary circumstances.
The court applied equitable tolling because the plaintiff was unable to file within the statutory period due to misinformation.
Forms
- equitable tolling
Related terms
See also
Commentary
Equitable tolling is narrowly applied and requires a showing of both diligence and extraordinary circumstances; it is distinct from statutory tolling, which is based on legislated exceptions.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.