Judgment, in law, is the decision of a court. It may be a conclusion based upon evidence developed at trial. A judgment by default is given by a court when the case is not defended by the defendant. When the defendant admits the claim or charge, the court hands down a confessed judgment. A judgment becomes, for the time, the law governing the particular case before the court. But judgments may be set aside or reversed by higher courts. In some states and provinces, a judgment of money due becomes a lien upon the debtor’s real estate. See also Debt ; Lien .
