What does a judgment refer to in legal terms?

A judgment, in legal terms, refers specifically to a court order that resolves a controversy between parties involved in a legal dispute. It is the formal decision made by a judge or jury after the evidence has been presented and evaluated, determining the rights and obligations of each party. Judgments can result from various types of cases, including civil disputes, divorce proceedings, or criminal cases, and they often provide a resolution to the issues raised in the legal action.

This defines the end result of a legal process, where the court establishes the outcome, including any judgments for damages or orders for specific actions. While the other options touch on related legal concepts, they do not inherently capture the essence and function of what a judgment signifies in the legal system. A judgment is therefore a critical component in the resolution of legal matters, serving as a final determination by a court.