What is a County Court Judgment (CCJ)?

A County Court Judgment, often shortened to CCJ, is a formal court decision made in the United Kingdom. It is issued by a civil court and confirms that a legal claim has been decided by the court.

A CCJ is part of the civil law system in England and Wales. It is used in cases where a court has reviewed a claim and reached a judgment. The judgment sets out what the court has decided and what is formally ordered.

In simple terms, a County Court Judgment is the written outcome of a civil court case. It shows that the court has made a decision on a legal dispute. The judgment is binding and recorded as an official court result.

A CCJ is not a criminal penalty. It belongs only to civil law. It does not involve criminal offences or criminal courts. It is used to resolve disputes between private parties, such as individuals or businesses.

Who can issue a County Court Judgment?

A County Court Judgment is issued by a County Court in England and Wales. These courts deal with civil matters rather than criminal cases.

County Courts are part of the UK court system. They have authority to hear and decide many types of civil claims. When a case falls within their responsibility, they are allowed to issue a CCJ.

Judges or authorised court officers within the County Court system issue the judgment. The decision is made in the name of the court, not by private parties.

County Courts do not operate across the whole United Kingdom. A CCJ applies only within England and Wales. Other parts of the UK, such as Scotland or Northern Ireland, use different court systems and different terms.

When does a County Court Judgment arise?

A County Court Judgment arises after a civil court process has reached a decision. It is issued once the court has completed its review of the case.

The judgment is not created at the start of a claim. It appears at the end of the court’s decision-making stage. This can happen after written submissions, a hearing, or a review of filed documents.

A CCJ exists only once the court has formally recorded its decision. Until that point, there is no judgment. The timing depends on when the court finalises its ruling.

The judgment marks the point at which the court’s decision becomes official and enforceable in legal terms. It is the formal conclusion of the court’s role in deciding the claim.

For which types of claims is a County Court Judgment used?

A County Court Judgment is used for civil claims handled by the County Courts. It is most commonly linked to financial and contractual disputes.

Typical areas include:

unpaid invoices or debts
claims based on contracts
disputes over services or goods
other monetary claims between parties

The CCJ is mainly associated with money claims, but it can also relate to other civil matters decided by the County Court.

It is not limited to business disputes. Individuals and companies can both be involved. The key factor is that the claim falls under civil law and is within the jurisdiction of the County Court.

A CCJ does not apply to criminal matters, family law cases, or disputes handled by higher courts unless they are transferred to the County Court system.

How is a County Court Judgment formally made?

A County Court Judgment is formally made through a court decision. The court reviews the case and then issues its judgment in writing.

The process follows these general steps:

a claim is placed before the County Court
the court considers the information provided
a decision is reached by the court

Once the decision is final, the court creates a formal judgment record. This document confirms the outcome of the case and the court’s ruling.

The judgment is issued under the authority of the court. It is not created by the claimant or the defendant. Only the court can formally make a CCJ.

The written judgment is the official confirmation that the case has been decided. It forms part of the court’s records and carries legal weight.

How is a County Court Judgment recorded and maintained?

A County Court Judgment is formally recorded by the court system. Once issued, it becomes part of the official court record.

CCJs are registered in a central system that tracks civil court judgments. This record includes key details such as:

the parties involved
the date of the judgment
the court that issued it

The record ensures that the judgment can be identified and verified. It also allows courts and authorised bodies to confirm that a CCJ exists.

Court records are maintained in line with legal and administrative rules. The judgment remains traceable as an official court outcome.

The registration and storage of a CCJ are part of the standard court process. This ensures consistency, transparency, and formal recognition of the court’s decision.