Rule 54. Judgment; costs

(a) Definition. -- "Judgment" as used in these Rules includes any order from which a writ of error or an appeal lies.

(b) Judgment upon multiple claims. -- When more than one claim for relief is presented in an action, whether as a claim, counterclaim, cross-claim, or third-party claim, the Court may direct the entry of a final judgment upon fewer than all of the claims or parties only upon an express determination that there is no just reason for delaying the entry of judgment and upon an order by the judge. In the absence of such determination and order, any decision, however designated, which adjudicates fewer than all the claims or the rights and liabilities of fewer than all the parties shall not terminate the action as to any of the claims, or parties and the order or other form of decision is subject to revision at any time before the entry of judgment adjudicating all the claims and the rights and liabilities of all the parties.

(c) Omitted.

(d) Costs. -- Except when express provision therefor is made either in a statute or in these Rules, costs shall be allowed as of course to the prevailing party unless the Court otherwise directs. The amount of the costs shall be entered in the judgment docket as a part of the entry of judgment and in the same manner as the entry of judgment.

(e) Unnecessary costs. -- If at any time during the progress of an action it appears to the Court that the amount claimed is exorbitant so that the opposite party is put to unnecessary expense in giving bond, or if any party unnecessarily swells the record or otherwise causes unnecessary expense, the Court may, in its discretion, order such unnecessary expense to be taxed against the party causing the same, without regard to the outcome of the action.

(f) Attorney's fees. -- Attorney's fees are not allowed except when specifically permitted by a statute or a contract. In no event are attorney's fees allowed in cases involving residential units brought pursuant to the Landlord Tenant Code.

(g) Judgment by admission. -- Judgment may be entered by judge or clerk on any claim or counterclaim when the party against whom the judgment is sought shall appear and/or acknowledge in writing the validity of the judgment sought against that party.

(h) Judgment upon trial. -- Judgment shall be entered by the Court on any claim or counterclaim upon the conclusion of the trial of the action. Said judgment shall be based upon the law and upon the evidence which has been presented in the trial. Nothing herein contained shall prevent any judge from reserving decision or requesting briefs from the parties. Judgments upon trial should be given and entered as promptly as possible following the conclusion of the trial. When judgment is given in favor of both a claimant and counterclaimant, the Court shall enter judgment for the difference in the amounts found due and owing in accordance with Rule 13(j).

(i) Judgment on warrant of attorney. -- Judgment may be entered by the clerk on warrant of attorney in accordance with the statute.

(j) Judgment on Scire Facias. -- Judgment on Scire Facias shall be entered as provided by statute.

(k) Judgments, how entered. -- Judgments shall be entered upon the docket of the Justice of the Peace Court and shall bear the date of entry and the particulars of the judgment.

(l) Judgments for want of appearance in actions of attachment in lieu of summons. -- In actions begun by an attachment in lieu of summons, judgment shall be given as provided by statute.