judgment debtor
n. the losing defendant in a lawsuit who owes the amount of the judgment to the winner.See also: judgment creditor.

judgment notwithstanding the verdict
(N.O.V.) n. reversal of a jury's verdict by the trial judge when the judge believes there was no factual basis for the verdict or it was contrary to law. The judge will then enter a different verdict as "a matter of law.

Judgments
Most judgments, including small claims, civil and child support, will remain on your credit report for 7 years from the filing date.

judicial
adj., adv. 1) referring to a judge, court or the court system. 2) fair.

judicial discretion
n. the power of the judge to make decisions on some matters without being bound by precedent or strict rules established by statutes. On appeal a higher court will usually accept and confirm decisions of trial judges when exercising permitted discret ...

judicial foreclosure
n. a judgment by a court in favor of foreclosure of a mortgage or deed of trust, which orders that the real property which secured the debt be sold under foreclosure proceedings to pay the debt.

judicial notice
n. the authority of a judge to accept as facts certain matters which are of common knowledge from sources which guarantee accuracy or are a matter of official record, without the need for evidence establishing the fact.