Which Rule governs motion for relief from judgment?

• A. Rule 60
• B. Rule 50
• C. Rule 59
• D. Rule 12

Answer: (A)

Relief from a judgment is governed by Rule 60, which provides a path to set aside or modify a final judgment or order. This rule is an equitable remedy used when something went wrong in the process or in the judgment itself. The grounds include mistake, inadvertence, surprise, or excusable neglect; newly discovered evidence that could not have been found earlier with due diligence; fraud, misrepresentation, or misconduct by the other party; a void judgment; or a judgment that has been satisfied or discharged, among other justifications. It’s not about retrying the case on the merits or appealing the judgment; it’s about correcting failures or injustices after the fact.

Rule 50, by contrast, deals with judgments as a matter of law or a new trial on the merits. Rule 59 covers a new trial or a motion to alter or amend a judgment. Rule 12 concerns pre-answer motions such as dismissals. So when the question asks which rule governs a motion for relief from judgment, Rule 60 is the correct framework to pursue.