By Raphaël MORENON
1 April 2025
Have you just received an official document from a court, entitled «judgment»? This word, often charged with a certain solemnity, can cover different legal realities, with very concrete consequences for your situation. Understanding the exact nature of the ruling is the first essential step in knowing how to react, what your rights are and what the next steps are. A judgement is not simply an administrative formality; it is the culmination of a procedure in which a judge applies the law to a particular situation. The aim of this article is to demystify the term «judgment» in civil matters, explore its various forms and help you understand its scope. If you would like to go further in reading and analysing a judgment, please consult our practical guide to deciphering a civil judgment. The judgment: more than just a court decision In the broadest sense, a judgment is any decision taken by a...