Legal Definitions - So ordered

Definition: So ordered is a phrase used in legal cases to indicate that the court has made a decision or issued an order. It is written at the end of a court order to emphasize that the preceding decision is officially ordered by the court.

Example: In a case where a judge orders a defendant to pay a fine, the judge may end the order by stating "so ordered." This indicates that the decision to impose the fine has been officially ordered by the court.

Another example: In a case where a judge grants a motion to dismiss, the judge may end the order by stating "so ordered." This indicates that the decision to dismiss the case has been officially ordered by the court.

The use of "so ordered" emphasizes the finality and authority of the court's decision, making it clear that the decision is not open to further debate or discussion.