The terms "court ruling" and "judgment" are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct legal meanings.  They can be confusing, but both play a role in the administration of justice, where two or more parties present a dispute before a court.

What is a Ruling?

A ruling is a court's order or decision on a legal issue that arises during or while determining a substantive lawsuit.

Notably, when a ruling is issued, it does not necessarily resolve the rights and liabilities of the parties involved.