What does "continuance" mean in legal terms?

In legal terms, "continuance" refers to a postponement of a legal proceeding. This can happen for various reasons, such as needing more time to prepare a case, the unavailability of a crucial witness, or any other circumstance that necessitates delaying the scheduled court hearing or trial. A continuance is usually granted at the request of one of the parties involved in the case, whether it be the defense, the prosecution, or even the court itself, and is intended to ensure that all parties have sufficient time to adequately present their arguments or evidence. This concept is essential in the legal system, as it upholds the right to a fair trial by allowing necessary preparation time, thus affecting the overall justice process.