Supersedeas bond
Supersedeas bond: A bond posted by a party appealing a money judgment to stay enforcement of the judgment while the appeal is pending. Under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 62(b), a party may obtain a stay by providing a bond or other security.
What supersedeas bond means
In short, supersedeas bond is a term you will meet in court papers, rules and legal research. The definition above gives its usual meaning in American civil practice. However, the exact meaning can depend on the rule, statute or court decision that uses it. So it helps to read the term in context.
Where supersedeas bond comes up
For example, the term appears in these procedures:
- Motion for a Stay Pending Appeal (Fed. R. App. P. 8(a)): a request to pause a judgment or order while an appeal is decided.
- Stay of Proceedings to Enforce a Judgment (Fed. R. Civ. P. 62): pausing enforcement of a judgment, automatically for a short time or by court order with security.
Read the source: Stay.
How to research the term
To research supersedeas bond, begin with the rule, statute or contract where the word is used. Each one can give it a slightly different meaning. Then compare that text with how courts in your area have applied it. Also check the local rules of your court, since they can add requirements. If your case is in state court, the state rules control. So start with our state procedures guide to find them. In the end, always confirm that the source you rely on is current.
You can read the official rule text online for free.
Related legal terms
- Stay: a court order pausing proceedings or the enforcement of a judgment.
- Bond: has several meanings.
- Successor trustee: the person named in a trust to take over as trustee when the current trustee dies, resigns or becomes unable to serve. In a revocable living trust, the successor trustee usually takes over when the settlor dies or becomes incapacitated.
- Sui juris: having full legal capacity to manage one's own affairs, as opposed to a minor or a person under guardianship.
Why precise terms matter
Courts read legal terms closely. As a result, knowing the exact meaning of a word helps you follow orders, rules and filings. Each glossary entry on Lawtopolis is short on purpose and links to the pages where the term is used.
Sources
Sources last reviewed: 2026-10-24
Lawtopolis provides legal information and education, not legal advice. Using this site does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws and court rules vary by jurisdiction and change over time; verify every authority against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction about your situation.