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 Connecticut, a continuance in civil and criminal litigation is a common procedural tool used to postpone or delay court proceedings. This can be requested for various reasons, such as needing more time to prepare for trial, continuing settlement negotiations, or locating a witness. A party to the case can file a motion requesting a continuance, and it is at the discretion of the court to grant or deny the request. If both parties agree to a continuance, they can submit a joint motion, but it still requires the approval of the judge. The Connecticut Practice Book, which sets forth the rules of procedure for the state's courts, provides guidance on how to request a continuance and under what circumstances it may be granted. Judges will consider factors such as the reason for the delay, the length of the requested continuance, the potential impact on the judicial schedule, and the rights of the parties involved before making a decision.