Definition
Judgment
A judgment is the determination of a court of competent jurisdiction upon matters submitted to it. It can also refer to the act of making a payment for private property taken for public use under the principles of eminent domain. Additionally, the term encompasses the use of one’s understanding and intuition to resolve a problem.
Detailed Explanation
Court Decision
In the legal context, a judgment is a final decision by a court regarding the rights and claims of the parties involved in a legal proceeding. This could be a civil or criminal case, depending on the nature of the dispute or offense. The judgment resolves the contested issues and determines the outcome—whether it’s the awarding of damages, the imposition of penalties, or the granting of some form of relief.
Compensation for Eminent Domain
Judgment can also mean the compensation that must be provided to private property owners when their property is taken for public use. This is typically seen in cases involving eminent domain where the government must provide just compensation for seized properties.
Problem-Solving
Outside the legal realm, judgment refers to the cognitive process of reaching a decision or solving a problem through intuition and understanding. This can relate to everyday decisions and professional scenarios where analytical and instinctive insights are used to come to a conclusion.
Examples
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Court Judgment: In a lawsuit involving breach of contract, the court issues a judgment requiring the defendant to pay damages to the plaintiff.
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Eminent Domain Judgment: A city requires a portion of private land to build a highway. The judgment includes the fair market value that must be paid to the property owner.
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Intuitive Judgment: In a business setting, a manager uses their experience and intuition to make strategic decisions that benefit the company.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What happens if a party does not comply with a court judgment? A1: If a party fails to comply with a court judgment, several enforcement mechanisms can be utilized, including garnishing wages, placing liens on property, or a court order for the seizure of assets.
Q2: How is the compensation determined for property taken under eminent domain? A2: Compensation is determined based on the fair market value of the property at the time of the taking. This value is often established through appraisals and legal proceedings.
Q3: Can a judgment be appealed? A3: Yes, in most cases, parties have the right to appeal a court judgment to a higher court if they believe there has been a legal error affecting the decision.
Related Terms
- Verdict: The decision made by a jury in a trial.
- Decree: An official order issued by a legal authority.
- Summary Judgment: A judgment entered by a court for one party against another without a full trial.
- Arbitration Award: The decision rendered by an arbitrator in a non-judicial dispute resolution process.
Online Resources
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “Legal Judgment: A Critical Introduction” by Benjamin James Lea
- “The Law of Judicial Precedent” by Antonin Scalia and Bryan A. Garner
- “Principles of Property Law” by Bruce Ziff
- “Intuitive Judgment: Themes and Variations” by Scott P. Strobel
Fundamentals of Judgment: Legal Studies Basics Quiz
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