final judgment

This is the judgment that sets out the reasoning of the judge in reaching the conclusions of law and the determination of the parties’ rights and obligations in the proceedings.  Final judgments bring civil litigation to an end. See res judicata.

Appeals cannot be made against a final judgment without the leave of the court.

Usage: The final judgment of the court found that the defendant infringed the copyright of the claimant.

Related Words: litigation; interim judgment; res judicata; interim order; civil litigation; cause of action; pleading; final injunction; hearing: litigation; final process.