What is the term for a court's decision?

The correct term for a court's decision is "judgment." A judgment is the official decision rendered by a court in a specific case, which resolves the legal issues presented. It is the outcome that establishes the rights and obligations of the parties involved in the legal dispute.

While the terms "verdict," "ruling," and "holding" all have specific meanings within the legal context, they do not encompass the full breadth of what a judgment represents. A verdict typically refers to a decision made by a jury in a jury trial, indicating whether the defendant is guilty or not guilty in criminal cases, or finding in favor of one party over another in civil cases. A ruling is more general and refers to any decision made by the judge regarding motions, evidence, and procedural matters, rather than the final outcome of the case. Holding refers to the legal principle or rule that emerges from a court’s decision and is often used in the context of appellate decisions to describe the court's central conclusion that must be followed in future cases.

Understanding the distinction between these terms is essential for grasping how legal decisions are communicated and applied in various contexts.