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Law vocabulary · Judgments, Appeals & Remedies

Ruling

Meaning in law, with examples

/ˈruːlɪŋ/nounCore term

In law, ruling means: An official decision made by a judge or court on a particular question, such as whether evidence can be used or whether a claim can continue.

In Turkish: karar, hüküm

How it is used

Often used for decisions on specific issues during a case, not only for the final outcome. Courts 'make', 'issue' or 'give' a ruling; parties 'challenge' or 'comply with' it. Journalists use 'ruling' for almost any court decision. The verb is 'rule on'.

Example sentences

  1. The judge's ruling on the expert report came as a surprise to both sides.

  2. We are waiting for a ruling on whether the documents are privileged.

Common collocations

  • make a ruling
  • court ruling
  • landmark ruling
  • challenge a ruling
  • rule on
  • judgmentThe final decision of a court in a case, together with the reasons the judge gives for it; also the written document that contains this decision.
  • judgeA public official who runs a court hearing, listens to both sides and decides the case, or tells the jury how the law applies.
  • appealTo ask a higher court to review and change the decision of a lower court; also used as a noun for this request.
  • overturnTo officially cancel or reverse a decision of a lower court, so that it no longer has any effect.

More terms: Judgments, Appeals & Remedies

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This page explains English vocabulary for learners. It is not legal advice.