Legal Definitions - notice of orders or judgments

Notice of Orders or Judgments

This term refers to the formal, written communication that informs individuals or parties involved in a legal case that a court has officially recorded a decision. This decision could be an order (a ruling on a specific issue within a case) or a judgment (the final decision resolving the entire case). The purpose of this notice is to ensure all relevant parties are aware of the court's action, which often triggers important deadlines for appeals, compliance, or further legal steps. Typically, the court clerk sends this notice, but sometimes one of the parties involved in the case is responsible for providing it to the others.

• Example 1 (Civil Case - Judgment):

  Imagine a situation where a homeowner sued a construction company for faulty work. After a trial, the judge rules in favor of the homeowner, awarding them a specific amount of money for repairs. The court clerk then sends a formal document to both the homeowner and the construction company, stating that the "Judgment" has been officially "entered" (recorded) on a specific date, detailing the amount awarded.

  This communication is a notice of judgment. It formally informs both parties of the court's final decision in the case and the exact date it was officially recorded. This date is crucial because it often marks the beginning of the timeframe within which the losing party (the construction company) can file an appeal.

• Example 2 (Family Law - Order):

  Consider a divorce case where one parent files a motion asking the court to temporarily modify the child visitation schedule due to a new job requiring frequent travel. The judge reviews the motion and issues a ruling. The court clerk then sends a written notification to both parents' attorneys (or directly to the parents if they are representing themselves), stating that the judge's "Order" regarding the temporary visitation modification has been officially "entered." The notice includes a copy of the order itself, outlining the new schedule.

  This is a notice of an order. It formally communicates the judge's decision on a specific issue (the visitation schedule) within the ongoing divorce case. Receiving this notice ensures both parents are aware of the new temporary arrangement and any associated deadlines or requirements for compliance.

• Example 3 (Criminal Case - Order):

  In a criminal trial, the defense attorney files a motion asking the judge to exclude certain evidence, arguing it was obtained in violation of the defendant's rights. After a hearing, the judge makes a decision on the motion. The court clerk then sends a written notice to both the prosecution and the defense attorney, informing them that the judge's "Order" either granting or denying the motion to exclude evidence has been officially "entered."

  This serves as a notice of an order. It formally alerts both sides to the judge's ruling on a critical procedural matter in the criminal case. This information is vital for both the prosecution and defense to plan their next steps, such as preparing for trial with or without the contested evidence.