Legal Definitions - suspend

The term "suspend" has several meanings in a legal and procedural context, generally referring to a temporary halt or removal.

• To temporarily stop or delay an action, process, or event.

  This meaning refers to putting something on hold or deferring it for a period, rather than canceling it entirely.

  • Example 1: A sudden, severe thunderstorm might cause event organizers to suspend an outdoor concert until the weather clears.

    Explanation: The concert is not canceled, but temporarily paused, illustrating an interruption or delay of an event.

  • Example 2: A university might suspend its admissions process for a specific program if there are unexpected changes to faculty resources.

    Explanation: The application review and acceptance process is temporarily halted, indicating a deferral of a process.

  • Example 3: A judge could suspend a defendant's sentencing hearing to allow for a more thorough psychological evaluation to be completed.

    Explanation: The legal proceeding is temporarily postponed, awaiting further information before it can continue.

• To temporarily remove someone from a position, job, or prevent them from exercising a right or privilege.

  This often occurs as a disciplinary measure, during an investigation, or due to a failure to meet certain requirements.

  • Example 1: A professional engineering board could suspend an engineer's license if they are found to have violated safety codes on a construction project, pending a full disciplinary review.

    Explanation: The engineer is temporarily prohibited from practicing their profession, illustrating the removal of a professional privilege.

  • Example 2: A public school teacher accused of inappropriate conduct with students might be suspended from their duties with pay while the school district conducts an internal investigation.

    Explanation: The teacher is temporarily kept from performing their job functions, often as a precautionary measure during an inquiry.

  • Example 3: An individual who fails to pay their court-ordered child support for an extended period might have their passport suspended, preventing them from traveling internationally.

    Explanation: The person is temporarily barred from exercising a privilege (international travel) due to non-compliance with a legal obligation.

• Suspend the Rules (Parliamentary Law):

  In formal meetings or legislative bodies, this refers to a motion passed to temporarily set aside a specific procedural rule to allow for an action that would otherwise be prohibited, for a limited time and purpose.

  • Example 1: During a town hall meeting, if a critical issue arises that requires immediate discussion, the assembly might vote to suspend the rules that limit public comment to five minutes per person, allowing for a more extensive debate.

    Explanation: A standard procedural rule (time limit for speakers) is temporarily set aside to facilitate a more thorough discussion on an urgent matter.

  • Example 2: A corporate board of directors might vote to suspend the rules requiring a week's notice for a special resolution, in order to immediately approve emergency funding for a critical business acquisition.

    Explanation: A procedural rule concerning notification periods is temporarily bypassed to allow for swift action on an urgent financial decision.

  • Example 3: In a legislative session, members might move to suspend the rules to bring a bill directly to a floor vote without going through the usual committee review process, if there is widespread agreement and a need for rapid enactment.

    Explanation: A standard procedural step (committee review) is temporarily skipped to expedite the legislative process for a specific bill.