decree
[Old French
decré, from Latin
decretum, from neuter of
decretus, past participle of
decernere to decide]
1 : an order having the force of law [by judicial ]
2 : a judicial decision esp. in an equity or probate court
;broadly : judgment [divorce ] [interlocutory ]
consent decree : a decree entered by a court that is determined by the parties' agreement
: a settlement between the parties that is subject to judicial approval and supervision
;specif : such a decree by which the accused agrees to cease alleged illegal activities without admitting guilt
decree nisi pl: decrees nisi : a provisional decree that will become final unless cause is shown why it should not
NOTE: Some states grant divorces using decrees nisi. The decree nisi creates a time period (as of 3 months) allowing for possible reconciliation or for completion of various arrangements (as custody). decree pro con·fes·so : a decree entered by a court based on a defendant's default and the presumption that the allegations are confessed compare
default judgment at
judgment final decree : a decree that disposes of an action by determining all matters in dispute including esp. the parties' rights compare
final judgment at
judgment interlocutory decree : a decree that is made during the course of an action and that does not settle all matters in dispute
decree vb