What is a decree in legal terminology?

In legal terminology, a decree refers to a definitive order or judgment issued by a court, usually concerning the resolution of a dispute or the application of the law in a specific case. This judicial determination is binding and typically concludes the legal matters at hand, often serving as a formal ruling on the rights and obligations of the parties involved.

A decree differs from other types of legal documents, such as agreements, which are mutually conceived by the parties, or instructions, which may not have the binding force of a court ruling. It also is distinct from written documents that establish laws, as those are typically legislative in nature, rather than resulting from specific judicial proceedings. Thus, the correct understanding of a decree emphasizes its role as an authoritative legal decision rendered by a court, cementing its importance in the legal framework.