Judgment
A judgment is the court's final decision in a case, and in a class settlement it binds the class and starts the clock for any appeal.
Also called: final judgment, court judgment
A judgment is the court's final decision in a case, and in a class settlement it binds the class and starts the clock for any appeal.
What it means
A judgment is the court's formal, final decision that ends a case or a part of it. In the federal rules, the word covers a decree and any order that can be appealed. Rule 58 generally requires a judgment to be set out in its own separate document, so it is clear when the case was decided.
In a class action settlement, the judge enters a judgment after granting final approval. It usually dismisses the lawsuit and binds the class. Under Rule 23(c)(3), a class judgment must describe who is covered. In a damages class, that means the people who received notice and did not opt out. Those class members cannot sue again over the claims the settlement releases.
In everyday talk, "judgment" can also mean a ruling that someone owes money, as in a debt case. This page covers the class action meaning.
What it means for you
The judgment is the document that locks in the deal. After it is entered, the settlement's release applies to everyone in the class who did not opt out, whether or not they filed a claim. The judgment date also starts the appeal clock. In federal court, a notice of appeal is generally due 30 days after the judgment is entered.
Look for the judgment or final approval order on the settlement website. It often includes the court's findings on fees, service awards and the claims process. Payments generally follow only after the appeal period ends or any appeal is resolved.
Example
Say a judge holds a final approval hearing on a Friday and grants approval. The following Monday, the court files a final judgment as a separate document. It describes the class members it binds, lists anyone who opted out and dismisses the case. The settlement website posts it the same day. Thirty days from the entry date is the deadline for anyone who wants to appeal, so the administrator waits to see whether anyone does before sending payments.
FAQ
Final approval is the judge's finding that the settlement is fair, reasonable and adequate. The judgment is the formal order that ends the case and binds the class. They are often entered together or within days of each other.
Not by itself. In a class settlement, payment comes after the judgment becomes final, when the appeal period ends or any appeal is resolved.
Related terms
- Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 54, judgment (Cornell LII)
- Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 58, entering judgment (Cornell LII)
- Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 23, class actions (Cornell LII)
- Federal Rule of Appellate Procedure 4, appeal as of right (Cornell LII)
Updated Oct 18, 2026. Plain-English definitions for general information — not legal or tax advice.