Judge's Fiat Law and Legal Definition
Fiat is a Latin term meaning “let it be done.” Judicial fiat refers to an order or a decree especially an arbitrary one. It can also refer to a court decree relating to a routine matter such as scheduling.
A Judge’s fiat can be a handwritten and intialled note from the judge directing that some action occur. It can even be an endorsement of another document. A fiat signed by a judge is binding as a court order.
Example of case law referring to Judge’s Fiat
On June 17, 1968, the "Judge's fiat" provided in part as follows: ". . . the said Application for Temporary Injunction is hereby set for hearing . . . for 9:00 o'clock a.m., on the 8th day of July, 1968." [Commissioners' Court of Tarrant County v. Emerson, 441 S.W.2d 889, 891 (Tex. App. 1969)]
Judge's Fiat
"This the 12th day of August, 1957, plaintiff having presented the above motion to the Court, same is set for hearing at 5 o'clock P.M. on the 16th day of August, A.D. 1957, at the Courthouse in Carthage, Texas. Ward Chandler, District Judge." [Consolidated Underwriters v. McCauley, 320 S.W.2d 60, 63 (Tex. App. 1959)]
