While the jury are absent the Court may adjourn from time to time, in respect to other business; but it is nevertheless open for every purpose connected with the cause submitted to the jury, until a verdict is rendered or the jury discharged. The Court may direct the jury to bring in a sealed verdict, at the opening of the Court, in case of an agreement during a recess or adjournment for the day.
§ 617.Adjournment While Jury Absent
Title 8. Of the Trial and Judgment In Civil Actions · Chapter 4. Trial by Jury · Article 2. Conduct of the Trial · Last amended 1880 · Last verified July 28, 2026
In one sentenceSection 617 lets the court adjourn to attend to other business while the jury is deliberating, while remaining open for every purpose connected to the submitted case until a verdict is rendered or the jury discharged, and lets the court direct the jury to bring in a sealed verdict at the next court opening if they reach agreement during a recess.
Full Text of § 617
Plain-English Summary
The court's calendar doesn't have to freeze while a jury deliberates. Section 617 lets the court adjourn from time to time to handle other business, but the court remains open, for every purpose connected with the submitted case, until the jury either renders a verdict or is discharged.
If the jury reaches agreement during a recess or an overnight adjournment, the court can direct them to deliver a sealed verdict at the next opening of court, rather than requiring an immediate reconvening the moment agreement is reached.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the court handle other cases while a jury deliberates?
Yes, § 617 lets the court adjourn from time to time to attend to other business.
Does the case stay open even during that adjournment?
Yes. The court remains open for every purpose connected with the submitted cause until a verdict is rendered or the jury is discharged.
What happens if the jury agrees on a verdict overnight?
The court may direct them to bring in a sealed verdict at the opening of court the next day.
Amendment History
Amended by Code Amendments 1880, Ch. 21.
Source & verification. Section text is reproduced verbatim from
the Deering's California Codes Annotated / vLex. Enacted by the California Legislature.
Last verified July 28, 2026.
· Official source
Also known as: sealed verdict californiacourt adjournment during jury deliberation