Who has the authority to grant a continuance?

• A. The clerk
• B. The defendant
• C. The prosecutor
• D. The judge

Answer: (D)

Granting a continuance is a judicial decision. The judge controls the court calendar and must weigh whether delaying the proceeding serves justice, such as allowing more time to prepare, secure witnesses, or consider a plea arrangement, all while protecting the defendant’s rights like the speedy-trial requirement. While a request for more time can come from the defense or the prosecution, and administrative staff (the clerk) may handle scheduling, the actual authority to postpone lies with the judge. This is why the judge is the correct answer.