In cases with multiple claims or parties, under what condition is a judgment considered final and appealable?

In cases involving multiple claims or parties, a judgment is deemed final and appealable when the court determines that there is no just reason for delay. This concept is often encapsulated in California’s Code of Civil Procedure, specifically section 577, which provides guidance on when a judgment can be appealed in the context of multiple claims or parties.

When a court issues a ruling on one claim but there are still pending claims or parties in the case, the judgment is generally not considered final and, therefore, not appealable. However, if the court explicitly states that there is no just reason for delay, it effectively finalizes that particular aspect of the case, allowing a party to appeal the judgment regarding the resolved claims even while other claims may still be pending. This determination serves to clarify the procedural landscape, preventing unnecessary delays in the appellate process when certain issues are fully resolved.

The requirement that there be no just reason for delay ensures that the appellate court's resources are used efficiently and that parties are not left in limbo regarding the issues that have already been adjudicated. Thus, option C accurately reflects the necessary condition for a judgment to be considered final and appealable in cases with multiple claims or parties.