What is the legal term for a decision made by a judge before a trial?

The legal term for a decision made by a judge before a trial is a ruling. This term encompasses any determination made by a judge on a legal matter during the pre-trial phase or any other procedural issue that arises before the actual trial begins. Rulings can cover a range of topics, including pre-trial motions, admissibility of evidence, and procedural matters that can significantly influence the course of the trial.

In a court setting, rulings can be critical as they set the groundwork for how the case will be managed and what evidence can be presented. For example, if a judge rules on a motion to suppress evidence, that decision can affect the prosecution's case before it even goes to trial.

The other terms have distinct meanings that differ from the pre-trial context. A verdict refers to the decision made by a jury or judge at the conclusion of a trial regarding the outcome of the case. A sentence is the formal penalty assigned to a defendant found guilty after a trial. An appeal is a request for a higher court to review and change the decision of a lower court, which happens after a ruling or verdict has been made. Understanding these differences is important for grasping the legal processes involved in court settings.