Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Business Law Practice Exam

Which legal term describes an official decision made by a judge regarding a law or case?

1. Ruling

2. Verdict

3. Judgment

4. Order

The correct answer is: Judgment

The correct answer is "Judgment." A judgment is the official decision made by a judge on the matters presented in a case. It reflects the final determination of the rights and liabilities of the parties involved and can resolve the entire dispute or specific issues within the case. In legal terms, a judgment often comes after a trial or a hearing and establishes the outcome based on the evidence, applicable law, and legal arguments made by both parties. It may also provide guidance on what relief or action must be taken by the parties, such as payment of damages or the issuance of an injunction. The other terms have specific meanings that do not fully encompass the broad finality and authority of a judgment. A ruling typically refers to a judge's decision on a particular point of law or issue during the proceedings, but it does not denote the final decision in its entirety. A verdict specifically pertains to the jury's findings regarding the facts of a case, which then leads to a judgment by the judge. An order is a directive issued by a judge that often pertains to specific actions to be taken but doesn't constitute the final determination of the bigger legal issues in the case as a judgment does.