Continuance

Definition

A postponement or adjournment of legal proceedings to a later date, often requested by attorneys who suddenly discover they're unprepared or their client is missing.

Example Usage

The defense requested a continuance because their star witness was apparently unreachable on his yacht.

Origin

From Old French 'continuer,' meaning to continue or remain

Fun Fact

Serial continuances can be grounds for sanctions or dismissal if deemed dilatory

Source: Court procedure and litigation terminology

Related Terms

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mens rea

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Whistleblower

A brave soul who reports illegal activity at their workplace and is rewarded with legal protection and social ostracism in roughly equal measure. The corporate equivalent of the kid who reminded the teacher about homework.

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onus

A fancy Latin way of saying "that's your problem now" in legal and professional contexts. The onus is the burden of proof or responsibility that gets passed around like a hot potato in meetings until it lands on someone's desk. Think of it as the corporate version of "not it!"

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mitigation

The art of making bad things less bad in legal contexts—reducing damages, softening penalties, or presenting evidence that explains why the defendant deserves leniency. It's what defense attorneys do during sentencing when they can't argue innocence anymore but can at least argue for mercy. Think of it as damage control for people who've already lost the main argument.

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prima facie

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sua sponte

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