<Table> <Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> The examples and perspective in this article may not represent a worldwide view of the subject . You may improve this article, discuss the issue on the talk page, or create a new article, as appropriate . (January 2011) (Learn how and when to remove this template message) </Td> </Tr> </Table> <Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> The examples and perspective in this article may not represent a worldwide view of the subject . You may improve this article, discuss the issue on the talk page, or create a new article, as appropriate . (January 2011) (Learn how and when to remove this template message) </Td> </Tr> <P> A stay of proceedings is a ruling by the court in civil and criminal procedure, halting further legal process in a trial or other legal proceeding . The court can subsequently lift the stay and resume proceedings based on events taking place after the stay is ordered . However, a stay is sometimes used as a device to postpone proceedings indefinitely . </P> <P> In civil procedure, a stay of proceedings is governed by the Civil Procedure Rules . In criminal trials, it is governed by the Prosecution of Offences Act 1985 . </P>

What does the word stay mean in legal terms