Ace the New York State Notary Practice Exam 2025 – Seal Your Success Today!

The correct answer is judgment. A judgment is a formal decision made by a court that resolves a dispute between parties and often specifies the amount one party owes to another. It is the ultimate outcome in a civil case and carries legal weight, meaning that the party in favor can take steps to collect the amount stated.

In contrast, a decree generally refers to an official order issued by a legal authority, often in the context of divorce or custody matters, but it does not specifically denote a monetary obligation. An order can also be a directive made by a court, but it may not result in a financial obligation. A verdict typically relates to the finding of a jury in a criminal trial or civil case, stating whether the defendant is guilty or not guilty, and is not inherently about a financial amount owed between parties. Thus, judgment is the term that accurately encompasses the court's declaration of one party's debt to another.