Adjournment
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Plain-English Meaning
A postponement of a court proceeding to a later date. When a case is adjourned, the current court date ends and a new date is scheduled. Adjournments can be requested by either side or ordered by the judge.
Legal Context
Adjournments are routine in New York criminal and civil court. They allow time for attorneys to prepare, for plea negotiations to continue, for documents to be exchanged, or for witnesses to be secured. In New York City Criminal Court, cases are frequently adjourned multiple times before resolution. The 30.30 speedy-trial clock (the prosecution's time limit to be ready for trial) continues to run during most adjournments.
Real-Life Example
James appeared in court on his misdemeanor case. His attorney was not yet ready because discovery documents had not been received. The attorney asked the judge for an adjournment. The judge granted it, adjourning the case for 30 days and setting a new date for the parties to return.
Related Terms
Source
General procedural term based on New York court practice. Original B-Legal plain-language explanation.
Definitions are simplified for education. Legal meanings vary by jurisdiction, context, and case facts. This definition is original B-Legal content and is not affiliated with or derived from any proprietary legal dictionary.