Florida Bail Bonds Practice Exam

What action is taken when a court vacates a judgment?

1. It reaffirms the previous decision

2. It nullifies the judgment

3. It issues a new judgment

4. It defers the case to a higher court

The correct answer is: It nullifies the judgment

When a court vacates a judgment, it nullifies the judgment, meaning that the previous ruling is legally treated as if it never existed. This action effectively removes the legal effect of the judgment, allowing the parties involved to return to the situation as if the judgment had not been made. This is significant because it opens possibilities for a new trial or further legal action. In some cases, vacating a judgment may occur if new evidence surfaces, if there were legal errors in the original proceeding, or if other factors warrant reconsideration. Reaffirming the previous decision, issuing a new judgment, or deferring the case to a higher court do not accurately describe the action taken when a judgment is vacated, as those options imply maintaining or progressing the original judgment rather than nullifying it.