What is a ruling in the context of law?

A ruling in the context of law refers to a court's decision on a legal question. This encompasses the formal judgment or determination made by a judge or court regarding the issues presented in a legal case. Rulings can include interpretations of laws, applications of legal principles, or resolutions of disputes between parties. Importantly, rulings establish precedents that can influence future cases, thereby contributing to the body of case law.

In contrast, a formal declaration of law might refer to broader legislative acts or statutes rather than specific decisions made in individual cases. A judge's personal opinion does not hold the same weight legally as a formal ruling; opinions expressed outside of judgments may not reflect the binding decisions of a court. Similarly, a summary of legal precedents involves synthesizing previous rulings rather than determining a new legal question. Thus, the essence of a ruling is its function as an official decision resolving a legal matter.