Entering Judgment

(a) ENTERING JUDGMENT. (1) Without the Court’s Direction. Subject to Rule 54(b) and unless the court or administrative order orders otherwise, the clerk must, without awaiting the court’s direction, promptly prepare, sign, and enter judgment when: (A) the court awards only costs or a sum certain; or (B) the court denies all relief. (2) Court’s Approval Required. Subject to Rule 54(b), the court must promptly approve the form of the judgment, which the clerk must promptly enter, when the court grants other relief not described in Rule 58(a)(1). (b) EFFECTIVENESS. A judgment is effective when it is entered in the docket under Rule 79(a). (c) COST OR FEE AWARDS. Ordinarily, the entry of judgment may not be delayed for the award of costs and fees. COMMENT TO 2018 AMENDMENTS This rule has been amended consistent with the stylistic changes to the civil rules. COMMENT The last sentence of this Rule makes it clear that the Court should not delay the finality of the judgment until a claim for costs and fees is decided.