Definition

A legal order that stops or delays a court's decision or action, often used to pause legal proceedings.

Example

The judge issued a supersedeas to halt the execution of the sentence until the appeal was decided.

Conversation

Did you hear about that case where they got a supersedeas to delay the trial?

Yeah, I read something about it; that's pretty rare, isn't it?

It is! I wonder how often people actually use a supersedeas in court.

Probably not too often, but it's good to know it exists for certain situations.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

**Supersedeas** → It is formed from "super-" (meaning above or over) and "sedere" (meaning to sit). The term refers to a legal order that sits above or overrides a lower court's decision, effectively putting it on hold.

Memory Tip

Think of something that sits 'above' ('super-') another decision ('sedere') — that's why supersedeas means to put a decision on hold.

Visually Confused Words