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A judgment is the official decision of a court of law in a lawsuit. A final judgment resolves the issues involved in the lawsuit, and determines the rights and obligations that each party in the lawsuit has.

In criminal law, a judgment is enforced by the government. The judgment in a criminal matter often results in the imposition of a sentence, which the authorities of the government enforce. Defendants can be ordered to pay a fine, be put on probation, or can be sent to jail.

In civil law, enforcement of the judgment is left to the parties of the lawsuit. When one party to a lawsuit does not comply with the judgment issued by the court, it is up to the other party to seek relief, that is, obtain the settlement granted by the court.

Enforcement of a civil judgment arises when a money judgment or order for support is not paid. Although most people comply with a judgment issued by a court, some people simply ignore the judgment and do not pay. When a person does not pay, enforcement of the judgment is required.