Final Judgment
Definition:
"Final judgment" is a legal term that refers to the last decision made by a court in a case. Once the court has made this decision, there is usually nothing else to do but enforce or carry out that decision. This means that the case is considered closed, and the outcome is final.
Usage Instructions:
You would typically use "final judgment" when discussing legal matters, especially in court cases. It is important to note that a final judgment can sometimes be appealed, which means that a higher court can review and possibly change the decision.
Example:
- After several months of hearings, the judge delivered the final judgment, ruling in favor of the plaintiff.
Advanced Usage:
In legal discussions, you might hear terms like "appeal" in relation to a final judgment. For example, a lawyer might say, "We plan to file an appeal against the final judgment issued by the lower court."
Word Variants:
- Final (adjective): Referring to something that is last or ultimate. - Judgment (noun): The act of making a decision or ruling, especially in a legal context.
Different Meanings:
While "final judgment" has a specific legal meaning, the words "final" and "judgment" can have broader meanings in everyday language. - "Final" can mean the last in a series, such as "the final exam." - "Judgment" can refer to someone’s opinion or evaluation of a situation, like "making a judgment about a movie."
Synonyms:
- Verdict (the decision made by a jury) - Ruling (the official decision made by a judge) - Decision (the conclusion reached after consideration)
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:
Although "final judgment" itself is not commonly used in idioms, the concept of making a judgment can be related to some phrases: - "To pass judgment" means to form an opinion about someone or something. - "Judgment call" refers to a decision made based on one's own judgment rather than a strict rule.