Legal Definitions - rise

In a legal context, the term rise has several distinct meanings, primarily related to the actions of a court or, in some cases, a legislative committee.

• To Conclude a Term or Session: When a court "rises," it can mean that it is formally concluding its scheduled proceedings for a specific judicial term or session. This signifies the end of its official business until the next designated term begins.

  • Example: After hearing all scheduled appeals for the spring, the state's highest court announced it would rise for the summer, meaning no new cases would be heard until the fall session commenced.

    Explanation: This example illustrates the court formally ending its judicial term, indicating a complete cessation of its activities for a defined period.

• To Stand for a Judge: This refers to the customary act of standing up in a courtroom when a judge enters or exits the bench, or when instructed by a bailiff. It is a traditional sign of respect for the court and the judicial process.

  • Example: As the courtroom doors opened and Judge Davies entered, the bailiff called out, "All rise!" and everyone present, including the attorneys and jury, immediately stood.

    Explanation: Here, "rise" refers to the physical act of standing up as a gesture of deference to the judge and the authority of the court.

• To Take a Temporary Break: A court may "rise" to take a temporary recess or break during daily proceedings, such as for lunch, a short pause, or at the end of the day, with the expectation of resuming later.

  • Example: Following a lengthy cross-examination, the judge declared, "This court will now rise for the day," signaling that proceedings would adjourn until 9:00 AM the following morning.

    Explanation: This demonstrates the court taking a temporary break from its daily schedule, indicating that the session is paused rather than permanently concluded.

• (In Parliamentary Law) For a Committee to Dissolve: In parliamentary procedure, a special committee that has completed its assigned tasks may "rise" to formally dissolve and submit its final report to the larger body that created it.

  • Example: Once the Ad Hoc Committee on Public Safety had finalized its recommendations for new legislation, its chair moved that the committee rise and present its findings to the full city council.

    Explanation: This illustrates a committee concluding its specific mandate, formally disbanding, and delivering its completed work to the parent organization.