**Judgment** (1) The official decision of a court that resolves the dispute between the parties to a lawsuit; (2) the official decision or finding of a judge or administrative agency hearing officer about the respective rights and claims of the parties to an action; also known as a "decree" or "order," and may include "findings of fact and conclusions of law"; (3) the final decision of the judge stating which party has won the case and the terms of the decision. Can be "_n.o.v_.," which means a ruling in favor of 1 party even though there had been a verdict for the other party, or "_summary_," which means a court's decision before a trial saying that no facts are disputed in the case and that 1 party is entitled to judgment as a matter of law. (Compare disposition, verdict.)