Adjourn Legal Meaning and Definition

Here is a simplified definition of the legal term Adjourn.

Adjourn (verb):

  1. To formally pause or end a meeting, legal case, or legislative session. The adjournment can either be temporary, meaning it will resume later, or permanent which is often called "adjournment sine die". The latter type of adjournment implies the dismissal of proceedings upon resolution of the topic in question.

  2. This term is often used in cases where there is a lack of a quorum, thus making it necessary to postpone proceedings in legislative bodies or meetings until the required number of members is present.

  3. It may also be used to refer to the break taken in activities like a game of chess.

Note: In legal context, adjournment must be sanctioned by a proper authority.

Example sentence: The judge decided to adjourn the court hearing until the following week.