What is an "adjournment" in legal terms?

An adjournment refers specifically to the act of postponing a court proceeding to a later date. This legal term is commonly used in court settings where a judge or legal authority decides that a case cannot continue for various reasons, and therefore, the proceedings are temporarily halted until a new date is set.

Adjournments can occur for multiple reasons, such as needing more time for preparation, the necessity of waiting for additional evidence or witnesses, or resolving outstanding legal questions. This procedural action is crucial because it ensures that all parties involved have the opportunity to adequately prepare for the case, thereby promoting fairness in the legal process.

The other options describe different legal concepts. A ruling made by a judge pertains to a decision regarding the matters of the case, while a final decision indicates the conclusion of a legal dispute after all proceedings are completed. A type of legal appeal involves challenging a court's decision in a higher court, which is distinctly different from the temporary nature of an adjournment. Thus, being specifically a postponement makes "B" the correct answer.