Stay of execution is directed by a court to stop some form of enforcement action. A stay of execution can apply in many circumstances like stopping the sale of property in bankruptcy or the execution of a death penalty. When a stay of execution may be given will differ based on the jurisdiction or topic, but stays are often given pending an appeal or when changes in circumstances call for a new trial or bankruptcy proceedings. If a stay of execution is granted in a civil case, the party receiving the stay usually must obtain a bond as security for reimbursing the opposing party if the grounds for the stay turn out to be baseless or the party causes unnecessary delays.
[Last updated in September of 2021 by the Wex Definitions Team]