What does prejudgment mean?
Prejudgment names an opinion or conclusion reached before the relevant facts, evidence, or arguments have been properly considered. In legal and journalistic settings, the word carries a strong implication that the final decision may be biased, predetermined, or unfair because the conclusion preceded proper examination. It can refer either to a premature view of a particular case or to a broader disposition—such as distrusting a witness or dismissing an argument before hearing it. The phrase is especially common in discussions of impartiality, due process, and responsible reporting. Although a prejudgment is not necessarily an openly expressed judgment, it can influence how evidence is interpreted, which questions are asked, and which conclusions are reached. The word is more formal than everyday alternatives such as “bias” or “preconceived idea,” and is often used where the risk of prejudging matters legally or publicly.
nounA judgment or opinion formed beforehand, especially without impartial consideration of the evidence or the opposing view.
- An opinion or judgment formed beforehand, especially without impartial consideration.
- An advance judgment about a person, situation, or issue.
"The committee warned that its decision must not be a prejudgment of the case."
"The defendant's statement was dismissed as a prejudgment of the outcome."
"Journalists should approach a developing story without prejudgment."
The standard plural is formed by adding -s; the alternative spelling prejudgements is also widely used.
"The report warns that repeated prejudgments can distort a public inquiry."
A prejudgment is a verdict that has quietly been reached before the evidence has had its say.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does prejudgment come from?
The word combines the prefix pre-, meaning “before,” with judgment. Its underlying vocabulary comes from the Latin root judicium, associated with judging and legal decision, which also gave rise to forms such as judge, judicial, and judicature. English developed the related verb prejudge in the late 16th century, and prejudgment became established as the corresponding noun in the 17th century. The modern form retains the original sense of deciding or forming an opinion in advance.
Related word forms
How prejudgment is actually used
The term is formal and chiefly used in legal, journalistic, and educational contexts. It emphasizes the improper or premature formation of an opinion, not merely having a prior view. In legal contexts, it may suggest that a conclusion has been reached before the evidence has been heard or assessed.
Easily confused with prejudgment
A prejudgment is any opinion formed in advance, whereas a prejudice usually denotes an adverse or unfair attitude toward someone or something.