An auction held on the government's behalf to sell either government-owned property, or private property that was seized pursuant to a writ of execution or similar type of order.
Public auction
Pam sues Jim for breach of contract. After a quick trial, Pam wins $10,000 in money damages. Pam is overjoyed, but a month goes by and Jim refuses to pay.
Finally, Pam seeks and obtains a writ of execution. In accordance with this writ, a sheriff arrives at Jim's home and looks for property that may be seized to satisfy Pam's judgment.
Some property is seized from Jim's home and is sold at a public auction (i.e., a sheriff's sale). The proceeds, totaling $4,000, are given to Pam in partial satisfaction of the judgment.
The sheriff then sends a garnishment order to Jim's employer. The employer will now deduct a portion of Jim's regular wages and send the money directly to Pam until she gets the rest of the awarded damages.