Explainer: Difference between a Ruling and a Judgment

The terms "court ruling" and "judgment" are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct legal meanings. 

They can be confusing, but both play a role in the administration of justice, where two or more parties present a dispute before a court.

What is a Ruling?

A ruling is a court's order or decision on a legal issue that arises during or while determining a substantive lawsuit.

Notably, when a ruling is issued, it does not necessarily resolve the rights and liabilities of the parties involved.

After the court rules on a point of law, it then moves on to address the substantive suit.

A court ruling does not address the substance of the case and, as such, does not affect it.

However, the implications of the ruling may place the parties against whom it is ruled in jeopardy.

The court's ruling on a subject is final, meaning it cannot be reversed unless exceptional circumstances are established through an application.

It can be appealed against, and under normal circumstances, the ruling can dismiss a suit filed.

For instance, when a court determines it has no jurisdiction over a matter, the case is dismissed immediately for lack of jurisdiction.

Under the circumstance that a court rules that it has jurisdiction over the matter, the hearing then proceeds 

Courts issue rulings in response to;

1. Preliminary objections- Parties may challenge procedural or substantive matters that do not comply with the law.
2. Motions and applications: Examples include requests to join parties, extend filing deadlines, or grant bail.
3. Evidence disputes: If a document does not meet the legal requirements for admission, the court may rule it inadmissible.
4. Objections during cross-examination: The court may rule on whether a question is permissible.
5. Interim orders and injunctions: Courts may issue temporary orders to maintain the status quo until the case is resolved.

A ruling is binding but can be appealed. However, once issued, it remains in force unless overturned by a higher court.

What is a Judgment?

A judgment is the final decision of a court, delivered at the end of a trial. It determines the rights and liabilities of the parties and formally concludes the case.

Unlike a ruling, a judgment cannot be reconsidered by the same court but it can be appealed. 

A final judgment also establishes legal precedent and may prevent future litigation on the same issue (claim preclusion).

Key aspects of a judgement

A judgment should be pronounced in open court either immediately or within 60 days from the conclusion of the trial.

A notice of the judgment must be provided to the parties or their advocates.

If a judgment is not delivered within 60 days, justifiable reasons must be submitted to the Chief Justice, and a new date for pronouncing the judgment should be set without delay.

A judgment must be dated and signed, and it is typically read and signed by the judge who authored it.

A judge or magistrate is authorised to pronounce a judgment that has been written and signed but not yet pronounced by their predecessor.

If a judgment is read by a different judge or magistrate who did not write it, that individual must date and countersign the judgment after it has been read.

Once a judgment is signed, it should not be altered, except under specific circumstances, because once it is read, the court has fulfilled its official duty.

The similarity between rulings and judgments is that both are decisions made by a court or tribunal in determining the rights and liabilities of the parties.

However, a court ruling is necessary for achieving the end of litigation, while a judgment brings the litigation regarding a specific suit to a close. 

Both concepts are different in application, yet they complement each other in one way or another.