decision

A determination arrived at after consideration of facts, and, in legal context, law. A popular rather than technical or legal word; a comprehensive term having no fixed, legal meaning. It may be employed as referring to ministerial acts as well as to those that are judicial or of a judicial character

A determination of a judicial or quasi judicial nature. A judgment, decree, or order pronounced by a court in settlement of a controversy submitted to it and by way of authoritative answer to the questions raised before it. The term is broad enough to cover both final judgments and interlocutory orders. And though sometimes limited to the sense of judgment, the term is at other times understood as meaning simply the first step leading to a judgment; or as an order for judgment. The word may also include various rulings, as well as orders, including agency and commission orders. U. S. v. Thompson, 251 U.S. 407, 40 S.Ct. 289, 291, 64 L.Ed. 333.

The findings of fact and conclusions of law which must be in writing and filed with the clerk. Wilcox v. Sway, 69 Cal.App.2d 560, 160 P.2d 154, 156.

"Decision" is not necessarily synonymous with "opinion." A decision of the court is its judgment; the opinion is the reasons given for that judgment, or the expression of the views of the judge. But the two words are sometimes used interchangeably.

See also decree

- final decision

- finding

- judgment

- opinion

- order

- verdict

@ decision on merits

A decision determining the validity of a written instrument or passing on a controversy with respect to the interpretation thereof which bars subsequent suit on same cause of action. Eulenberg v. Torley's Inc., 56 Cal.App.2d 653, 133 P.2d 15, 17

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