What is the last day that a judge may rule on a motion for new trial?

• A. 5th day
• B. 15th day
• C. 20th day
• D. 10th day after judgment

Answer: (D)

Ten days after judgment. The clock starts when judgment is entered, and the court is expected to decide a motion for a new trial within a short, definite window to bring the case to final resolution promptly. This keeps the trial record from lingering in limbo and helps keep appellate timelines clear, since the motion for a new trial can affect how and when the parties must proceed next. If the judge doesn’t rule within that period, many jurisdictions treat the motion as denied by operation of law, or at least the party’s path toward relief remains constrained by the existing timetable. The main idea is to ensure timely reconsideration of the trial, so finality and orderly progression of the case are maintained.