Legal Definitions - entry of judgment

Entry of Judgment refers to the formal, administrative act by which a court's final decision in a case is officially recorded and made part of the public record. This is more than just the judge announcing a decision; it is the specific clerical step, often performed by the court clerk, of documenting the judgment in the court's official records, such as a civil docket or judgment book.

This official recording is crucial because it typically marks the precise moment when the judgment becomes legally effective and starts the clock for important deadlines, such as the period during which parties can file an appeal. Once entered, the court usually notifies all parties involved.

• Example 1: Breach of Contract Lawsuit

  Imagine a small business sues a supplier for failing to deliver goods as promised. After hearing all the evidence, the judge issues a written decision, known as an order, stating that the supplier must pay the small business a specific amount in damages. The entry of judgment occurs when the court clerk formally records this order in the court's official electronic or physical docket. This administrative act makes the judgment legally binding, allowing the small business to begin collection efforts if the supplier doesn't pay, and crucially, it starts the 30-day window during which the supplier can file an appeal against the decision.

• Example 2: Divorce Proceedings

  Consider a couple who has gone through a divorce trial. The judge signs a comprehensive final divorce decree that outlines the division of assets, child custody arrangements, and spousal support. The entry of judgment happens when the court clerk processes this signed decree and records it in the official court records. Until this administrative step is completed, the divorce is not legally finalized, meaning neither party can, for instance, legally remarry, and the terms of the decree cannot be formally enforced. The date of entry also sets the deadline for any post-judgment motions or appeals related to the divorce terms.

• Example 3: Personal Injury Case

  Suppose a jury in a personal injury lawsuit finds a driver liable for an accident and awards the injured plaintiff $100,000 in damages. Following the jury's verdict, the judge signs a document, often called a judgment, reflecting this award. The entry of judgment takes place when the court clerk formally logs this signed judgment into the court's official record system. This action officially concludes the trial phase, makes the jury's award legally binding, and initiates the timeframe within which either party can file an appeal or the plaintiff can begin efforts to collect the awarded damages from the defendant.