Criminology Term: Recess
Recess, the temporary cessation of legal proceedings or trial, is a much-needed and sometimes unpredictable break that occurs during legal proceedings.
The court, including the judge, lawyers, and the jury, may use recess time to take a breather, relax or adjourn for a short period. It is a moment when the court is not in session, and no legal proceedings or hearings are conducted, but the parties must be prepared to resume proceedings when the recess ends.
Recess can be prearranged, or it may occur unexpectedly due to a variety of reasons such as to give the jury time to deliberate or allow the lawyers to consult their clients or other legal counsel. It could also be an opportunity to attend to personal matters, particularly in lengthy trials.
As the court takes recess, all parties involved must strictly adhere to the regulations and rules of the court, as well as stay alert and ready to continue proceedings when the recess ends.
In some cases, the length of the recess may be decided by the judge or agreed upon by all parties involved.
