What is a judgment?
A judgment is the court's final decision in a case, determining the parties' rights and what must be done.
A judgment is the court’s final decision on the merits.
Where the word "Judgment" comes from
Judgment comes from the Latin judicare, to judge. It is the court's official decision, whether entered after trial, on motion, or by default, and it becomes the enforceable outcome of the litigation.
Why Judgment matters
A judgment is what makes the litigation meaningful, because it is the document that can be enforced against the losing party, through collection, liens, or garnishment. Until a judgment exists, a win in the courtroom is only an expectation.
Common confusion about Judgment
A judgment is not the same as a verdict. A jury returns a verdict, but the court enters the judgment, and the judgment may differ from the verdict if the court modifies it or adds interest and costs, so the two are distinct steps in the process.
A real-world example of Judgment
After a trial, the jury finds for the plaintiff and awards $50,000. The court enters a judgment for that amount, plus interest and costs, and the defendant must pay it, or the plaintiff can use collection tools to enforce it.
A worked example of Judgment
A landlord wins a judgment against a tenant for unpaid rent. The landlord records the judgment as a lien on the tenant's property, garnishes the tenant's wages, and levies on the tenant's bank account until the judgment is satisfied. If the tenant files bankruptcy, the judgment may be discharged, which is why collecting a judgment often requires acting before the debtor's financial situation changes.
How Judgment works in practice
A judgment is only as good as its collection, so act promptly to enforce it, and know the judgment's interest rate and expiration date, which varies by state. If you are the losing party, consider appeal options and deadlines, because a judgment can be stayed pending appeal under the right circumstances. Keep the judgment current, since expired judgments must be renewed to remain enforceable. Enforcement methods include wage garnishment, bank levies, and property liens, and a judgment creditor may also conduct a debtor examination to locate assets that can satisfy the award.
Questions about Judgment
Is a judgment final?
It is final unless appealed within the time limit.
What can a judgment order?
Damages, an injunction, or a declaration of rights.
How is it enforced?
Through collection tools like liens or garnishment.