Judgment
The court's final decision in a case.
Definition
A judgment is the formal decision of a court at the end of proceedings, stating who wins, what the legal reasoning is, and what remedy is granted. A money judgment states the sum owed and can be enforced if not paid. A default judgment is issued when a defendant fails to respond to a claim.
In practice
Once a judgment is entered, interest starts running on the unpaid amount. Act quickly if the defendant does not pay voluntarily.