What is the court's decision that resolves a dispute between parties in a lawsuit called?

The term that describes the court's decision which resolves a dispute between the parties in a lawsuit is known as a judgment. A judgment is the official decision made by a judge or court that determines the rights and obligations of the parties involved in a legal action. This decision can include the outcome of a trial, specifying who wins or loses, and may include orders for compensation or other remedies.

In contrast, a verdict refers specifically to the jurors' decision in a jury trial—it is the conclusion reached based on the evidence presented. A ruling is a broader term that can refer to any decision made by the court during the legal process, including procedural decisions that do not necessarily resolve the entire dispute. Lastly, a settlement occurs when the parties agree to resolve their dispute outside the courtroom, often leading to a negotiated resolution rather than a court decision. Thus, the most accurate term for the court's definitive decision in a lawsuit is judgment.