session
A session is a fixed period of time during which a governmental body, such as a court or legislature, conducts its official business. In the judicial context, “in session” refers to when a court is actively hearing cases. For example, California law provides that a person subpoenaed to appear “at a session of court, or at the trial of an issue therein” may agree to appear at another time, and failure to comply can be treated as contempt. (See Cal. Civ. Proc. Code § 1985.1 (2024).
In the legislative context, “in session” refers to a legislative body’s active meeting to consider and act upon legislation. Article I, Section 5 of the U.S. Constitution states, “Neither House, during the session of Congress, shall, without the consent of the other, adjourn for more than three days.”
[Last reviewed in August of 2025 by the Wex Definitions Team]
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