Which term is used to describe an official decision made by a judge in a court case?

The term used to describe an official decision made by a judge in a court case is "ruling." A ruling refers specifically to a decision issued by a judge on a matter brought before them in court, whether it pertains to motions, objections, or the applicability of laws. It reflects the judge's interpretation of the law and is a critical part of judicial proceedings.

In contrast, a verdict is typically associated with the decision reached by a jury regarding the outcome of a trial, particularly in criminal cases, and focuses on the guilt or innocence of a defendant. Resolution, while related to the ending of a dispute, does not specifically refer to a judicial decision and can imply various outcomes beyond a judge’s ruling. Disposition generally refers to the final settlement or outcome of a case but lacks the specificity of a judge's official decision in the context of court proceedings. Thus, "ruling" is the most accurate term for an official decision made by a judge in a court case.