The foregoing sections of this chapter, so far as they relate to the docketing of judgments, the entering of satisfaction thereof, and the liens of judgments and enforcement of such liens, shall be construed as embracing recognizances, and bonds having the force of a judgment.
§ 8.01-465.Chapter embraces recognizances and bonds having force of judgment.
Chapter 17. Judgments and Decrees Generally · Article 7. Lien and Enforcement Thereof · Last amended 1977 · Last verified July 16, 2026
In one sentenceThe chapter’s rules on docketing judgments, entering satisfaction, and enforcing judgment liens apply equally to recognizances and to bonds that carry the force of a judgment, and not only to ordinary money judgments rendered after trial.
Full Text of § 8.01-465
Plain-English Summary
A recognizance or a bond with the force of a judgment is not, strictly speaking, a judgment rendered by a court after a case is tried — yet Virginia treats it the same way once it comes time to docket it, satisfy it, or enforce its lien. Section 8.01-465 makes that equivalence explicit for the whole chapter.
Every section of the chapter that touches docketing judgments, entering satisfaction of them, or the liens of judgments and how to enforce those liens is construed to embrace recognizances and bonds having the force of a judgment, exactly as if the statutory text had listed them by name throughout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this chapter’s docketing procedure apply to recognizances?
Yes, the section directs that provisions on docketing judgments be construed to embrace recognizances and bonds having the force of a judgment.
Are the satisfaction rules in this chapter limited to ordinary money judgments?
No, they extend to recognizances and bonds having the force of a judgment as well.
What is a bond having the force of a judgment, for purposes of this section?
A bond that the law treats as carrying the same enforceability as a judgment, which this section folds into the chapter’s judgment-lien and satisfaction provisions.
Which parts of the chapter does this section extend to recognizances and such bonds?
The parts relating to docketing, entering satisfaction, and the liens of judgments and enforcement of those liens.
Does this section create new substantive rights for recognizance holders?
No, it is a construction rule extending the chapter’s existing docketing, satisfaction, and lien-enforcement mechanics to recognizances and qualifying bonds.
Amendment History
Code 1950, § 8-398; 1977, c. 617.
Source & verification. Section text and amendment history are
reproduced verbatim from the Code of Virginia, published by the
Code of Virginia, Virginia Division of Legislative Automated Systems. Last verified July 16, 2026.
· Official source
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