When a case is decided in a higher court, what is this decision called?

In the context of a higher court's decision, the term "ruling" specifically refers to the authoritative decision or order made by a judge or court. When a higher court makes a determination, it often provides a ruling that clarifies the application of law in a particular case or sets a precedent for future cases.

While the terms "judgment," "verdict," and "opinion" also relate to court decisions, they carry different connotations. A judgment typically refers to the final decision made in a case, which resolves the matter between the parties. A verdict is specifically associated with jury decisions in a trial, indicating what the jury has concluded about the facts of the case. An opinion, usually written by a judge or panel of judges, explains the reasoning behind the court's decision, reflecting the legal principles applied to reach the ruling.

Thus, the correct term for a decision rendered by a higher court in this context is "ruling," emphasizing its authoritative nature in the judicial process.