New York State Notary Practice Exam

What does a 'judgment' in court typically declare?

1. The innocence of a party

2. One party’s debt to another

3. The dismissal of a case

4. The right to appeal

The correct answer is: One party’s debt to another

A 'judgment' in court typically declares one party’s debt to another, which represents the court's final decision on the matter presented. This judgment can result from various civil cases, such as contract disputes or tort claims, where one party is found liable to compensate the other for damages or unpaid debts. While other options may relate to different judicial concepts, they do not express the primary function of a judgment itself. For instance, the declaration of innocence pertains to criminal cases and is better suited to a jury verdict rather than a judgment. The dismissal of a case may occur without a judgment being rendered, as it often indicates the court's decision to terminate proceedings without determining the merits. Similarly, the right to appeal is a procedural aspect of the judicial system that doesn't constitute a judgment but is instead an option available to parties after a judgment has been made.