After a trial on issues of fact and law, the court issues a final ruling known as a judgment that states the legal answer to the legal questions and issues presented and defines the rights and obligations of the adverse parties. For example, a court may determine that a driver is at fault for a car accident and must pay the other driver $100,000 in damages.
Law Dictionary – Alternative Legal Definition
The official and authentic decision of a court of justice upon the respective rights and claims of the parties to an action or suit therein litigated and submitted to its determination. The final determination of the rights of the parties in an action or proceeding. The sentence of the law pronounced by the court upon the matter appearing from the previous proceedings in the suit. It is the conclusion that naturally follows from the premises of law and fact. The determination or sentence of the law, pronounced by a competent judge or court, as the result of an action or proceeding Instituted in such court, affirming that, upon the matters submitted for its decision, a legal duty or liability does or does not exist. 1 Black, Judgm.