Consent Decree

A consent decree is a formal agreement between parties to a lawsuit, entered as a court order, that resolves the dispute without a trial. It is typically negotiated by the parties and their attorneys, and must be approved by the court. The decree sets forth the terms of the settlement, including any monetary payments, injunctive relief, or other remedies. It may also include provisions for monitoring, reporting, or enforcement of the agreement. Consent decrees are an important tool for parties to resolve disputes efficiently and with certainty, and to avoid the risks and costs of litigation. They are enforceable by the court, and may be modified or terminated only with the court’s approval. Consent decrees are commonly used in civil rights, environmental, and antitrust cases, among others.