Which legal term refers to a formal conclusion reached by a judge in a case?

The term "Judgment" refers to a formal conclusion reached by a judge in a legal case. It signifies the final outcome of a case, where the judge renders a decision based on the evidence presented and the applicable law. A judgment typically includes the court's determination regarding the rights and liabilities of the parties involved and may also specify any remedies or penalties to be applied.

In contrast, while "ruling" refers to a decision made by a judge on a specific issue within a case, it does not encompass the entire outcome of the case itself. "Verdict" is specifically used in the context of jury trials to denote the jury's findings on issues of fact, which can lead to a judgment but is not synonymous with it. The term "decision" is more general and can refer to any conclusion reached in the legal process, not necessarily one that results in a judgment. Thus, "judgment" is the most accurate term to describe the formal conclusion by a judge.