Which description best fits a judgment nisi?

• A. A permanent order
• B. A default judgment
• C. A temporary order that will become final unless the defendant has good cause to set aside
• D. A final order that is subject to immediate appeal

Answer: (C)

Judgment nisi is a provisional ruling that isn’t final right away. It is issued with a built‑in waiting period during which the party against whom it’s entered can apply to have the judgment set aside for a good reason (such as improper service, new evidence, or an error in the process). If no valid application to set aside is made during that time, the judgment becomes final. Because it’s conditional and time‑bound, it isn’t a permanent order from the start, it isn’t simply a default judgment, and it doesn’t become final with immediate appeal. That makes the description of a temporary order that will become final unless the defendant has good cause to set aside the best fit.