The suspension of proceedings in a criminal trial between the verdict and the sentence on the grounds of a material irregularity in the course of the trial.
‘Probably the court had so much difficulty reaching a decision about the arrest of judgment because Curll's counsel could cite compelling precedent.’
‘A spurious time-line emerges, according to which the guilty verdict, the motion for arrest of judgment, and the discussion of the motion all occurred in November 1725.’
‘It may, in a proper case, lay the foundation of a motion for a new trial, but not in arrest of judgment.’
‘It is our opinion that the reasons filed in arrest of judgment are not maintained, and it is ordered that the motion be overruled.’
‘We also conclude that the filing of a motion in arrest of judgment renders the judgment nonappealable until an order is entered disposing of the motion.’
noun
Law
A postponement or stay of a court decision because of a legal challenge or problem.
‘her counsel moved an arrest of judgement’
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