Scratch Order Law and Legal Definition
A scratch order, also sometimes called a chicken-scratch order, is an order in which a judge includes handwritten notes which are illegible. Because the handwritten part is illegible, it becomes an impediment to appealing to that part of the order. A scratch order can impair appeal or enforcement of the order. Due to the illegibility of the order, a scratch order can also violate a person's right to due process.
