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Simple English definitions for legal terms
decision
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A quick definition of decision:
In the legal world, a decision is when a judge makes a choice about what should happen in a case based on the facts and laws involved. This choice can be either the judge's written explanation of their decision or the actual order telling the parties involved what they need to do. The decision usually includes a summary of what happened, what laws apply, how the judge came to their decision, and what the parties need to do next. Sometimes, decisions are called judgments, rulings, opinions, or orders. There are different types of decisions, such as ones that can be appealed or ones that settle all the issues in a case. A decision on the merits is a decision based on the facts and laws of the case, rather than just technical or procedural issues.
A more thorough explanation:
In the legal context, a decision is a ruling made by a court that determines the rights and obligations of the parties involved in a case. It is based on the facts and laws presented in the case. A decision can refer to the act of delivering a court's order or the written opinion of the court.
- Interlocutory decision: An order made by a court to settle an intermediate matter while the case is still ongoing. For example, a court may issue an interlocutory decision to determine whether evidence should be admissible in a trial.
- Appealable decision: An order that can be appealed before a higher court. For example, a court's decision to grant or deny a motion to dismiss a case may be an appealable decision.
- Final decision: A court's decision that settles all of the legal issues in a case. For example, a court's decision to award damages to a plaintiff in a personal injury case may be a final decision.
- Decision on the merits: A judgment made based on the facts and relevant substantive law of the case. For example, a court's decision to grant a motion for summary judgment may be a decision on the merits.
These examples illustrate how a decision can refer to different types of rulings made by a court. They show how a decision can be an order that settles an intermediate matter, a ruling that can be appealed, a final ruling that settles all legal issues, or a judgment made based on the facts and relevant law of the case.