Sine die

Sine die is a Latin expression that literally means ‘without day’. In Dutch law, the term is used to indicate that a hearing or proceeding is adjourned without a date being fixed for its resumption. This frequently occurs where additional information is required or where the parties wish to have more time to prepare.

The significance of sine die lies in the fact that it does not finally dispose of the case but instead places it in abeyance. The parties may at a later stage apply for the case to be restored to the docket. In practice, such adjournments arise in both civil and administrative proceedings, for example before the district courts or the courts of appeal.