Definition

Noun: A formal legal ruling by a court that ends a case without proceeding to a full trial on its merits. This judgment terminates the lawsuit, typically because the court has determined the complaint fails to state a valid legal claim or there is a lack of jurisdiction.

Usage

This term is used in formal legal contexts to describe the specific court order that dismisses a lawsuit. * The plaintiff's case was weak, so the judge issued a judgement of dismissal. * After reviewing the motion, the court entered a judgement of dismissal with prejudice, meaning the case could not be refiled.

Advanced Usage

• Judgement of dismissal with prejudice: A dismissal that prevents the plaintiff from filing the same claim again in the future. It is a final decision on the merits of the claim.
• Judgement of dismissal without prejudice: A dismissal that allows the plaintiff to correct the defect in the complaint and refile the lawsuit at a later date. It is not a final judgment on the merits.

Variants and Related Words

• Dismissal (n): The general act of dismissing a case.
• Motion to dismiss (n): A formal request made to the court asking for a judgement of dismissal.
• Involuntary dismissal (n): A dismissal ordered by the court, often for failure to prosecute or comply with rules.
• Voluntary dismissal (n): A dismissal requested by the plaintiff.

Synonyms

• Dismissal order
• Order of dismissal
• Judgment of dismissal (alternative spelling: 'judgment')

Antonyms

• Judgment on the merits: A final ruling made after a full trial or consideration of the substantive facts of the case.

Noun

1. a judgment disposing of the matter without a trial