Legal Definitions - Ruling

A ruling is a formal decision or determination made by a judge or court on any legal question or issue that arises during a lawsuit or other legal proceeding. These decisions can address anything from minor procedural requests to the ultimate resolution of the entire case.

Here are some examples to illustrate how a ruling applies in different legal contexts:

• Example 1: Decision on a Motion

  During a personal injury lawsuit, the defendant's attorney files a "motion to dismiss," arguing that the plaintiff's claim lacks sufficient legal grounds. After reviewing the arguments from both sides, the judge issues a decision stating that the case can proceed because the plaintiff has presented a valid claim. This decision by the judge is a ruling.

  This example illustrates a ruling on a specific request (a motion) made by one of the parties, which determines how the case will move forward.

• Example 2: Final Judgment

  In a contract dispute between two companies, after hearing all the evidence and testimony during a trial, the judge concludes that one company breached the contract and orders them to pay a specific amount in damages to the other company. This final declaration by the judge, resolving the entire dispute, is a ruling (specifically, a final judgment).

  Here, the ruling is the ultimate decision that brings the entire lawsuit to an end, determining the rights and obligations of the parties involved.

• Example 3: Evidentiary Decision

  During a criminal trial, the prosecutor attempts to introduce a piece of evidence that the defense attorney argues was obtained illegally. After listening to arguments from both the prosecution and the defense, the judge decides whether that evidence can be presented to the jury. The judge's decision to either allow or exclude the evidence is a ruling.

  This demonstrates a ruling on a specific point of law concerning what evidence is admissible in court, which can significantly impact the trial's outcome.