Dilatory

Dilatory is an adjective used to describe actions or behaviors that are intended to cause delay or procrastination. The term is often used in legal contexts to refer to tactics that are employed to delay proceedings. It can also be applied more generally to describe any action that is slow or intended to waste time.

Etymology

The word "dilatory" originates from the Latin word dilatorius, which means "delaying". The root of this Latin word is dilatus, the past participle of differre, meaning "to delay".

Usage in Law

In legal contexts, dilatory tactics are strategies used by one party to delay the progress of a case. These tactics can include filing unnecessary motions, requesting excessive continuances, or engaging in other behaviors that slow down the judicial process. Such tactics are often frowned upon by courts and can sometimes result in sanctions against the offending party.

Psychological Perspective

From a psychological standpoint, dilatory behavior is often associated with procrastination. Individuals who procrastinate may engage in dilatory actions to avoid tasks they find unpleasant or challenging. This behavior can be linked to various psychological factors, including anxiety, fear of failure, and lack of motivation.

Related Concepts

• Procrastination
• Time management
• Legal procedure
• Sanction (law)

See Also

• Procrastination
• Time management
• Legal procedure
• Sanction (law)