As a New York attorney representing judgment creditors, precision in the legal terminology and spelling is non-negotiable. One common point of confusion is the spelling of "judgment" versus "judgement." This article clarifies why "judgment" is the correct choice in US English. As a judgment attorney dedicated to commercial collections and enforcement, we must ensure our terminology reflects the same precision we apply to litigating and collecting on behalf of our clients.
Quick Answer: In the United States legal system, the correct spelling is Judgment.
In US English, "judgment" (without the "e") is the only correct spelling. In UK English, "judgement" with an "e" is typically used in everyday contexts, but "judgment" without the "e" becomes the preferred choice when it comes to legal matters. During my time in law school, I was taught to drop the "e" in "judgment" to adhere to standard American English, a practice I maintain to ensure precision in my legal writing. This distinction is critical for maintaining professionalism, particularly for judgment attorneys!
In the legal profession, spelling is not merely a matter of style—it is a matter of statutory compliance and professional authority.
To maintain the highest industry standards, US attorneys must look to the governing "entities" of our craft. The Bluebook: A Uniform System of Citation, which dictates the rules for all federal and state court filings, exclusively recognizes the spelling "judgment" (no 'e'). Similarly, Black’s Law Dictionary—the definitive legal resource—notes that while "judgement" exists in common parlance, "judgment" is the required technical term for a court's final determination.
Whether we are moving for Summary Judgment (CPLR 3212) or enforcing a Default Judgment against a merchant in the New York Supreme Court, our filings must be beyond reproach.
Here are examples of "judgment" in US English:
To maintain professionalism and avoid errors:
The spelling of the word judgment may seem minor, but for attorneys in the US, it’s a detail that reflects expertise and attention to accuracy. By using "judgment" without the "e," you align with legal standards and build trust with clients, banks, and courts. At our firm, we apply this precision to every aspect of representing our clients, from collections and lawsuits to litigation and judgment enforcement. For expert legal support, contact a judgment attorney who gets the details right, because in law, every letter counts.
Both spellings refer to the same concept, but "judgment" is the preferred spelling in American English. In British English, "judgement" is commonly used in general contexts, while "judgment" is standard in legal settings.
In the United States, "judgment" without the "e" is the correct and accepted spelling in all legal documents and court proceedings. Using "judgement" may be considered incorrect in formal legal contexts.
While "judgement" may appear in informal American writing, it is not standard. For formal and legal contexts, "judgment" is the appropriate spelling.
Despite "judgement" being common in British English, British legal systems adopt "judgment" to maintain consistency and clarity in legal terminology. This aligns with international legal standards.
Determine your audience's regional language preference: use "judgment" for American English and legal contexts, and "judgement" for general British English usage. Always use "judgment" in any legal context. Consistency in spelling throughout your documents is key.
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