What is the written decision of a court called?

The written decision of a court is referred to as an opinion. This term is used to describe the formal written explanation of a court's decision, detailing the legal reasoning that led to the conclusion reached. An opinion includes analysis of the laws at issue and how they were applied to the facts of the case, establishing precedents that may influence future cases.

While "judgment" relates to the actual decision or final order of the court that resolves the litigation, it does not typically encompass the detailed reasoning behind that decision. "Order" refers to specific directives issued by a court during the course of proceedings, and "ruling" is a more general term that may describe any court decision, often made informally or on procedural matters. However, only "opinion" captures the comprehensive rationale offered by judges in their written documentation of a case decision.