The word "ADJOURNED TERM" is commonly used in legal contexts to refer to the end of a session or period of court proceedings that has been postponed or rescheduled. It is pronounced /ədʒ\u02c8ɜrnd t\u025brm/, with the initial "a" pronounced like the "u" in "but" and the following "o" pronounced like the "i" in "bird." The stressed syllables are "jour" and "term," with the remaining consonants and vowels pronounced as in standard English.
ADJOURNED TERM:
An adjourned term refers to a period of temporary suspension or interruption in legal proceedings, usually in a court of law. When a case is adjourned, it means that the trial or hearing is temporarily postponed or put on hold to a later date.
This interruption in the legal proceedings can happen for various reasons. It could be due to the unavailability of a judge, an attorney, a key witness, or any other significant party involved in the case. Additionally, the adjournment may be requested by one of the parties involved, such as the prosecution, defense, or an aggrieved party. It is also common for adjournments to occur for logistical reasons, like scheduling conflicts or the need for further evidence or information.
During the adjourned period, the proceedings are typically rescheduled for a later date when the previously mentioned issues have been resolved, enabling the court to continue the trial or hearing. It is important to note that an adjourned term does not signify the end of the proceedings but rather a temporary pause, allowing the court to address any unforeseen circumstances before proceeding.
In summary, an adjourned term refers to a temporary interruption or suspension of legal proceedings, providing space and time for the court or involved parties to address any issues or conflicts that might hinder the smooth continuation of the case.
The etymology of the phrase "adjourned term" can be understood by examining the origins of each individual word.
1. Adjourned: The word "adjourned" comes from the Middle English word "adjourne", which originated from the Old French word "ajoindre". "Ajoindre" meant "to add, join, or meet". Over time, the term "adjourn" developed a legal sense related to suspending a court hearing or session to another time or place.
2. Term: The word "term" can be traced back to the Latin word "terminus", meaning "boundary" or "limit". In a legal context, a term refers to a fixed period or interval of time during which a court holds its sessions.
Therefore, the phrase "adjourned term" describes a situation in which a court hearing or session is temporarily suspended, typically until a later designated time or place.