What is the decision made by a jury called?

The decision made by a jury is called a verdict. This term refers specifically to the conclusion that the jury reaches regarding the guilt or innocence of a defendant, or in civil cases, the determination of liability. A verdict is a crucial part of the judicial process, as it is the official decision based on the evidence presented during the trial.

In contrast, a judgment is the formal decision made by a judge that may incorporate the jury's verdict but may also reflect additional findings or legal rulings. A ruling pertains to the judge's decisions on specific points of law during the trial. Lastly, a finding typically refers to the conclusion drawn based on factual evidence presented, but it is more commonly associated with fact-finding by either the judge or jury, separate from the term "verdict." Thus, "verdict" accurately captures the specific role and outcome of a jury’s decision-making process in a trial context.