AAERT Certified Electronic Reporter (CER) Practice Test

What is the final decision made by a judge at the end of a non-jury trial called?

1. Verdict

2. Judgment

3. Order

4. Finding

The correct answer is: Judgment

The final decision made by a judge at the end of a non-jury trial is referred to as a judgment. This term encompasses the judge's resolution of the case, including rulings on the applicable law and the final outcome in light of the evidence presented during the trial. A judgment not only encapsulates the determination of liability or guilt but also often includes the specifics of any penalties, remedies, or directives that must be followed. Unlike a verdict, which is typically associated with jury trials and reflects the jury's decision on the questions of fact, a judgment is the official ruling issued by the judge in a bench trial. The other terms, while relevant in the context of legal proceedings, have distinct meanings. An order generally refers to a directive by the court that mandates an action or response but does not constitute a final determination of the case. A finding pertains to the conclusions drawn from evidence and may relate to specific facts within the case, but it does not capture the complete resolution of the dispute. Therefore, judgment is the most appropriate term for the final decision made by a judge in this particular context.