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Final Judgment
A final judgment is the court's official decision that ends the case and lets the losing party appeal.
What it actually is
It is a written order issued by the judge after all issues have been resolved, leaving nothing further for the court to decide in that case. A final judgment typically appears near the end of a lawsuit, after a trial or a dispositive motion like summary judgment.
Why it matters in your case
Practically, a final judgment determines who wins and what relief is granted, such as money or an injunction. It also triggers the deadline to appeal, so parties must act quickly if they wish to challenge the decision.
The common misunderstanding
Many people think any ruling from the judge is a final judgment, but many orders are intermediate or interlocutory, which can only be appealed later or with special permission. Only the final judgment ends the case entirely.
Get the actual rule
Definitions are orientation; rules are authority
This page explains the concept. When it matters to your case, read the rule that governs it in your court — we hold Texas, federal and Washington court rules word for word, and every state's official resources are on the state pages. If someone cites a case at you, check that it exists first.
Related
Terms that travel with this one
General explanation, not legal advice, and not specific to any state — procedures and deadlines vary by jurisdiction and court. If you can get a lawyer or free legal aid, do: every real option.