A judgment is a final decree, decision, order, or other ruling by a court determining the rights and obligations of the parties to a lawsuit. A lien is a claim, interest, or right to property or a portion of it for payment of a debt or liability. A judgment lien is a lien arising from a judgment which gives the holder of the judgment the right to levy upon or seize the property of another to pay off or satisfy the judgment subject to rights of exemption or redemption belonging to the judgment debtor.

Levy or seizure of property pursuant to a judgment lien usually is done through a writ of execution issued to a sheriff or constable directing him/her to seize a property and sell it, usually through public sale.

In most states, a judgment becomes a lien upon real estate located in the county where the judgment was entered when registered in the county where the real estate is located. It becomes a lien on real estate located in other counties or districts when registered in the county where the real estate is located. The lien lasts ten(10) years from the date of entry of the judgment. The judgment may be renewed by petitioning the court. Please see specific state for details and/or differences.

Black's Law Dictionary Fifth Edition.