Judgment
The court's final decision that resolves the case, including any money owed or actions required.
A judgment is the court’s official final decision in a case. In a civil case, the judgment states who won, how much money (if any) must be paid, and any other relief granted. In a criminal case, the judgment includes the verdict (guilty or not guilty) and the sentence.
Once a judgment is entered, it becomes enforceable. In civil cases, this means the winning party can use legal tools like wage garnishment, bank levies, or property liens to collect the money owed. Judgments in Minnesota are generally valid for ten years and can be renewed.
Why it matters: A judgment is the end result of a lawsuit. If a money judgment is entered against you and you do not pay it, the other side can take steps to collect, including garnishing your wages or placing a lien on your property. If you believe the judgment was wrong, you typically have a limited time to appeal.
Example: After a trial, the court enters a judgment ordering the defendant to pay the plaintiff $12,000 in damages for breach of contract. The defendant has 60 days to appeal. If no appeal is filed, the plaintiff can begin collection efforts.
The conclusion of a lawsuit or trial, court records, collection proceedings