Waziri Mayai Wa Maradhi
JF-Expert Member
- Jan 28, 2026
- 278
- 77
Many people use “ruling” and “judgment” interchangeably, but in legal parlance, they serve different purposes.
RULING
A ruling is a judicial decision on a particular issue arising during the course of proceedings. It may determine an interlocutory application, an objection, an application for injunction, admissibility of evidence, or other procedural or substantive questions that arise before the final determination of the case.
JUDGMENT
A judgment is the final adjudicatory determination of the court on the substantive issues submitted for its resolution. It ordinarily resolves the rights and liabilities of the parties and brings the proceedings before that court to a conclusion, subject to any appeal.
In simple terms:
A ruling generally resolves an issue that arises within a case, while a judgment determines the ultimate outcome of the case.
Example:
If a defendant applies to the court to strike out a suit for want of jurisdiction, the court may deliver a ruling on that application. After hearing the substantive case, the court delivers its judgment determining the parties’ rights and liabilities.
Bottom line:
Every judgment is a judicial decision, but not every judicial decision is a judgment.
Knowing the distinction helps you understand what exactly a court has decided, and the legal consequences that flow from that decision.
RULING
A ruling is a judicial decision on a particular issue arising during the course of proceedings. It may determine an interlocutory application, an objection, an application for injunction, admissibility of evidence, or other procedural or substantive questions that arise before the final determination of the case.
JUDGMENT
A judgment is the final adjudicatory determination of the court on the substantive issues submitted for its resolution. It ordinarily resolves the rights and liabilities of the parties and brings the proceedings before that court to a conclusion, subject to any appeal.
In simple terms:
A ruling generally resolves an issue that arises within a case, while a judgment determines the ultimate outcome of the case.
Example:
If a defendant applies to the court to strike out a suit for want of jurisdiction, the court may deliver a ruling on that application. After hearing the substantive case, the court delivers its judgment determining the parties’ rights and liabilities.
Bottom line:
Every judgment is a judicial decision, but not every judicial decision is a judgment.
Knowing the distinction helps you understand what exactly a court has decided, and the legal consequences that flow from that decision.
