Which Rule 60(b) ground relates to a void judgment?

• A. Fraud
• B. Newly discovered evidence
• C. Judgment void
• D. Excusable neglect

Answer: (C)

Rule 60(b) covers relief from a final judgment for several different reasons, and the ground that deals with a void judgment focuses on fundamental defects that render the judgment invalid from the start. A void judgment occurs when the court lacked jurisdiction—either subject-matter or personal—or when the proceedings violated due process so severely that the judgment has no legal effect. Because the flaw is intrinsic to the judgment itself, the remedy is to vacate it, and relief can be sought at any time. This is different from grounds based on fraud, newly discovered evidence, or excusable neglect, which address other flaws or circumstances surrounding the proceedings rather than the judgment’s validity from inception. For example, if a court had no authority to render a decision, or service was so defective that the defendant never entered a proper appearance, the resulting judgment would be void and eligible for relief under this rule.