dilatory

views updated Jun 27 2018

dil·a·to·ry / ˈdiləˌtôrē/ • adj. slow to act: he had been dilatory in appointing a solicitor. ∎  intended to cause delay: they resorted to dilatory procedural tactics, forcing a postponement of peace talks.DERIVATIVES: dil·a·to·ri·ly / ˌdiləˈtôrəlē/ adv.dil·a·to·ri·ness n.

Dilatory

views updated May 23 2018

DILATORY

Tending to cause a delay in judicial proceedings.

Dilatory tactics are methods by which the rules of procedure are used by a party to a lawsuit in an abusive manner to delay the progress of the proceedings. For example, when numerous motions brought before a court for postponement are baseless, time is wasted because the court must stop the course of ongoing proceedings to examine whether there is any merit to the motions. The party in whose interests the motion is brought uses this tactic to gain time to enhance his or her position, or to postpone an action by a court as long as possible to minimize the impact of a decree rendered against him or her. A party found to engage in dilatory tactics may be held in contempt of court.

dilatory

views updated May 18 2018

dilatory tending to cause delay XV; given to delaying XVII. — L. dīlātōrius, f. dīlātor delayer, f. dīlāt-, pp. stem of differre DEFER 1; see -ORY 2.