A final court ruling resolving the key questions in a lawsuit and determining the rights and obligations of the opposing parties. For example, after a trial involving a vehicle accident, a court will issue a judgment determining which party was at fault and how much money that party must pay the other.
- The act of judging.
- The power or faculty of performing such operations; especially, when unqualified, the faculty of judging or deciding rightly, justly, or wisely; as, a man of judgment; a politician without judgment.
- The conclusion or result of judging; an opinion; a decision.
A judgment is the verdict in a civil case. The judge writes the judgment, and it specifies the awards and compensation given by the responsible party to the injured party. Judgments are remunerative and punitive. If the responsible party fails to pay the compensation outlined in the judgment they may have their wages garnished and be subject to property liens and bank account levies.
Civil judgments can be made even if a criminal is found not guilty of a crime in a criminal case or if the prosecutor decides not to bring a criminal case against the defendant. For example, personal injury crimes such as product liability cases, premise liability cases, car accident cases, and medical malpractice cases may allow an injured plaintiff to file a personal injury case to recover monetary damages. In a civil case, punishment is not decided. The defendant will not go to jail or face other criminal penalties; they generally are simply forced to pay monetary damages to the plaintiff.
This site contains general legal information but does not constitute professional legal advice for your particular situation. Persuing this glossary does not create an attorney-client or legal adviser relationship. If you have specific questions, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.
This glossary post was last updated: 29th March, 2024.
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