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 Rhode Island, a continuance in civil and criminal litigation is a common procedural tool used to postpone or delay court proceedings. The reasons for seeking a continuance can vary, including the need to locate a witness, allowing additional time for trial preparation, or to facilitate ongoing settlement discussions. A party to the case can request a continuance by filing a motion with the court, and the request must typically be supported by valid reasons. If both parties agree to a continuance, they can jointly submit a request, but it is ultimately up to the judge to approve any postponement of proceedings. The judge will consider factors such as the reason for the delay, the number of previous continuances, the potential impact on the judicial calendar, and the rights of the parties involved before granting or denying the motion for a continuance.