The term "sine die" is a Latin phrase that translates to "without day." It refers to the final adjournment of a legislative body or court session without setting a date to reconvene. When a legislature or court adjourns sine die, it means that there will be no further meetings scheduled, marking the end of that particular session.
Sine die is commonly used in legislative and judicial contexts. It indicates that a session has concluded without a predetermined date for resumption. This term is relevant in various legal areas, including:
Understanding sine die is important for individuals involved in legislative processes or legal proceedings, as it signifies the end of discussions or hearings. Users can utilize legal templates from US Legal Forms to manage related documentation effectively.
Here are a couple of examples of abatement:
Example 1: A state legislature may adjourn sine die at the end of its annual session, indicating that no further meetings will occur until the next legislative year.
Example 2: A court may adjourn sine die after concluding a trial, meaning that the court will not reconvene until a future case arises. (hypothetical example)
Examples of state differences (not exhaustive):
| State | Adjournment Process |
|---|---|
| California | Legislature may adjourn sine die at the end of the session with a simple majority vote. |
| Texas | Adjournment sine die requires a formal motion and is often accompanied by a resolution. |
| New York | Adjournment sine die is typically decided by the leadership of the legislature. |
This is not a complete list. State laws vary, and users should consult local rules for specific guidance.
| Term | Definition | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| Adjournment | The act of suspending a session. | Adjournment may have a set date, while sine die does not. |
| Recess | A temporary break in a session. | Recess implies a return to the session, unlike sine die. |
If you are involved in a legislative or court process that may adjourn sine die, consider the following steps:
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Sine die means "without day," indicating that a session has ended with no scheduled date to reconvene.