Opening a judgment
OPENING A JUDGMENT. The act of the court by which a judgment is so far
annulled that it cannot be executed, but which still retains some qualities
of a judgment; as, for example, its binding operation or lien upon the real
estate of the defendant.
2. The opening of the judgment takes place when some person having an
interest makes affidavit to facts, which if true would render the execution
of such judgment inequitable. The judgment is opened so as to be in effect
an award of a collateral issue to try the facts alleged in the affidavit. 6
Watts & Serg. 493, 494.
A Law Dictionary, Adapted to the Constitution and Laws of the United States. By John Bouvier. Published 1856.