foreign judgment

From the perspective of English law, a foreign judgment is a decision of a court in a jurisdiction other than England, which includes Scotland and Northern Ireland. Decisions of foreign courts exercising civil jurisdiction may be enforced in England provided that specified conditions are met, which are defined by principles of private international law. 

Depending upon the jurisdiction from which the judgment emanates, the decision may be registered and subsequently enforced in England under the terms of the Administration of Justice Act 1970, Foreign Judgments (Reciprocal Enforcement) Act 1933, the Civil Jurisdiction and Judgments Act 1982 and the Judgments Regulation.

Usage: The claimant sought to enforce the foreign judgment in England.

Related Words: forum non conveniens; locus standi.