A continuance is a procedure in civil and criminal litigation for postponing or delaying current or upcoming proceedings—often to locate a witness, or give the parties additional time to prepare for trial, or continue settlement discussions. A party may request the court grant a continuance, or the parties may agree to a continuance, which the judge generally must approve.
In Alaska, a continuance refers to the postponement or delay of a proceeding in both civil and criminal litigation. This procedural tool can be used for various reasons, such as needing more time to locate a witness, allowing additional preparation for trial, or facilitating ongoing settlement discussions. A party involved in the litigation may request a continuance by filing a motion with the court, and it is within the judge's discretion to grant or deny the request. If both parties agree to a continuance, they can submit a joint request, but the final decision still rests with the judge. The rules governing continuances are typically found in the Alaska Rules of Court, which provide guidance on how and when to request a continuance, as well as any specific requirements or limitations that may apply.