Delaying Legal Proceedings: Who, Why and How Legal proceedings are not always about seeking the truth. Sometimes, it's a battle where time becomes the main weapon. Delaying a process can be advantageous for the side that wants to avoid a decision, exhaust the opponent, wait for a change in circumstances, or simply gain time. Although the judicial system is built on the principle of a reasonable time limit, there are many loopholes that allow for manipulation of time. They are used by plaintiffs, defendants, lawyers, judges, and even court workers. How does it happen and what can be done about it? Why Delays Are Advantageous Delaying a legal proceeding rarely occurs by chance. It is often part of a strategy. If the defendant knows that the decision will not be in their favor, they are interested in delaying it as long as possible. The longer the process, the greater the chance that the plaintiff will grow weary, lose interest, face financial difficulties, or even die. Delays also provide time for the destruction of evidence, the search for new witnesses, or changes in the legal situation. For the plaintiff, delays can be advantageous if they want to exert pressure on the defendant through legal costs. Lawyers can use time to increase their fees — the longer the process, the more hours of work. Judges may delay proceedings to avoid difficult decisions or to give parties time to reach a settlement. However, sometimes delays occur simply due to system overload, which opens up opportunities for abuse. Loopholes for Plaintiffs and Defendants One of the simplest ways to delay a process is to file endless motions. Motions for recusal of the judge, for obtaining new evidence, for conducting an expert examination, for involving third parties — each such application requires time for consideration. If a party regularly files them, the process may drag on for years. Moreover, the refusal to grant a motion can be appealed, which also takes time. Another method is to clarify th ... Read more