de·ci·sion /di-'si-zhən/ n: an authoritative determination (as a decree or judgment) made after consideration of facts or law; also: a report or document containing such a determination see also memorandum decision compare disposition, finding, holding, judgment, opinion, ruling, verdict
◇ A decision, while being an authoritative determination of a disputed issue, does not have to be a final determination closing the case. Some interlocutory decisions may be appealed.
de·ci·sion·al /-zhə-nəl/ adj
Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary of Law. Merriam-Webster. 1996.