A putting off or postponing of proceedings; an ending or dismissal of further business by a court, legislature, or public official—either temporarily or permanently.
Adjournment (noun): 1. The act of suspending or postponing a meeting, session, or legal proceeding to a later time or date. 2. A temporary break or pause in the proceedings of a court, legislative body, or other formal gathering, typically to allow participants to rest, deliberate, or gather additional information. 3. The formal conclusion or termination of a meeting, session, or legal proceeding, often with the intention of resuming at a later time or date. 4. A decision made by a judge, presiding officer, or chairperson to temporarily halt the proceedings, usually due to time constraints, the need for further evidence, or the unavailability of key participants. 5. A procedural action taken to temporarily halt the progress of a legal case, trial, or hearing, often with the aim of providing parties involved with an opportunity to prepare or gather additional evidence or arguments.
If an adjournment is final, it is said to be sine die, “without day,” or without a time fixed to resume the work. An adjournment is different from a recess, which is only a short break in proceedings.
In legislatures, adjournment officially marks the end of a regular session. Both state and federal lawmakers vote to determine when to adjourn. The exact timing depends on multiple factors, such as work load, election schedules, and the level of comity among lawmakers. Because a session can end with unfinished legislative business, adjournment is commonly used as a means of political leverage to secure or delay action on important matters. In the U.S. Congress, where the single annual legislative session usually ends in the fall, the president may call an adjournment if the House and Senate cannot agree upon a date.
Q: What does adjournment mean? A: Adjournment refers to the act of suspending or postponing a meeting, session, or court proceeding to a later time or date. Q: Why is adjournment necessary? A: Adjournment is necessary for various reasons, such as allowing participants to take a break, providing time for further research or preparation, accommodating scheduling conflicts, or addressing unforeseen circumstances. Q: Who has the authority to adjourn a meeting? A: The person presiding over the meeting, such as the chairperson or the designated leader, typically has the authority to adjourn a meeting. Q: Can anyone request an adjournment? A: Yes, anyone participating in a meeting or session can request an adjournment. However, the decision to adjourn ultimately rests with the person presiding over the proceedings. Q: How is adjournment typically announced? A: Adjournment is usually announced by the person presiding over the meeting, who may say something like, “This meeting is adjourned” or “We will adjourn until [date/time].” Q: Can a meeting be adjourned indefinitely? A: Yes, a meeting can be adjourned indefinitely, which means there is no specific date or time set for its resumption. This is often done when there is no immediate need to reconvene or when further discussion is not anticipated. Q: Is there a specific procedure to follow for adjournment? A: While there is no universal procedure, adjournment is generally a simple process. The person presiding over the meeting may ask if there are any objections to adjourning, and if there are none, they can declare the meeting adjourned. Q: Can adjournment be challenged or appealed? A: In some cases, adjournment can be challenged or appealed if there are valid reasons to do so. However, the specific rules and procedures for challenging adjournment may vary depending on the context, such as in legal proceedings or parliamentary settings. Q: What happens after adjournment? A: After adjournment, participants may disperse, and the meeting or session is considered concluded until the next scheduled time or date. Any unfinished business or pending items may be carried over to the next meeting.
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This glossary post was last updated: 9th April, 2024.
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