An interlocutory judgment may be recalled, but a final judgment may not.

Explanation

Preliminary rulings remain open to correction throughout the proceeding, but once the court renders its definitive judgment, the matter is settled — finality is the seal of justice.

Where this applies

• A preliminary ruling was wrong — can the judge correct it before final judgment?
• Once the court issues its final decision, it's too late to change it.

See also

• 8.8.8 A judgment ought not to be illusory; it ought to have its proper effect.
• 8.8.13 A new judgment does not create new law, but declares the old.