A more thorough explanation:

Definition: Entry of judgment is the final recording of a court's decision and opinion, if there is one. It is the official way of documenting the outcome of a case.

When the entry of judgment occurs depends on the jurisdiction, but it usually happens after the decision is inserted into the docket or sent to a specified official. In many cases, the entry of judgment must happen before the judgment can be appealed. Once the judgment is entered, the court clerk must send the parties a copy of the judgment and opinion.

Example: In a civil lawsuit, the judge may rule in favor of the plaintiff and order the defendant to pay damages. The entry of judgment would document this decision and make it official. The defendant would then have the opportunity to appeal the judgment if they disagree with it.

Example: In a criminal case, the judge may find the defendant guilty and sentence them to prison. The entry of judgment would document this decision and make it official. The defendant would then have the opportunity to appeal the judgment if they believe there was an error in the trial.

These examples illustrate how the entry of judgment is the final step in a legal case and how it makes the court's decision official. It is important because it allows the parties involved to move forward with their lives or to appeal the decision if they believe it was incorrect.