What is a postponement of a case called?

The term "continuance" refers specifically to the postponement of a court case. In legal terminology, when a case is scheduled for a hearing or trial and is moved to a later date, it is referred to as a continuance. This action often occurs for various reasons, such as the unavailability of a witness or the need for additional time to prepare evidence.

The use of "continuance" emphasizes the formal aspect of this postponement within the legal framework, as it involves a judicial decision or agreement between parties. Understanding this term is vital for recognizing how the judicial process can be adjusted to accommodate circumstances that arise during litigation. While the terms “adjournment” and “postponement” may seem similar, in legal practice, a continuance is the more precise term to describe a formal rescheduling of a case.