Small Claims Glossary

Small Claims Glossary

Continuance -- Postponement of a hearing to a later date.

Defendant -- The person who is being sued.

Execution -- An order by the court directing the sheriff to seize the judgment debtor’s property, sell it and apply the money to the judgment against the debtor.

Garnishment -- A proceeding to obtain property, wages or money owed to the judgment debtor by a third person and apply it to the amount owed the judgment creditor.

Judgment -- The official decision or order of the court.

Judgment Creditor -- The person for whom the judgment is entered; the person who wins the lawsuit.

Judgment Debtor -- The person against whom the judgment is entered; the person who loses the lawsuit.

Plaintiff -- The person who files a lawsuit.