以上單詞均有裁定、裁決或判決的含義。它們之間的區(qū)別在于：decision為通用詞匯，可指任何類別的裁決或判決，如 arbitral decision (仲裁裁決）或 judicial decision (司法判決） 等[1]。award (也稱為arbitrament)專指仲裁裁決或陪審團有關損害賠償金的裁決[2]。finding (finding of fact也常簡稱為finding) 多用于指對事實的裁定[3]。judgment多指法院對訴訟案件的最終判決（final decision),可指民事判決，也可用于指刑事判決，尤其是指結果為赦免、撤銷原判、駁回上訴等不科處刑罰之判決[4]。而與之相對，sentence的中心含義為科刑（inflicting punishment on the convicted) ， 故其只限于指刑事判決，且為處以刑罰之目的的判決[5];如無罪開釋則應用其他詞，如decision 或judgment等來表示。verdict是指陪審團作出的有關事實等的陪審裁決[6]。decree是指法院根據(jù)衡平法上的權利所作的裁定，故多用于指衡平法院、海事法院以及繼承和離婚法院所作的判決或裁定[7]。ruling多指在訴訟中就動議所作出的裁決, 以及為解釋法律、法令、法規(guī)、條例等而作出裁定[8]。disposition 在民事上多指法官就某事項或動議的裁定 ， 等于judge's ruling; 其更多用于刑事案件方面，指科刑，如probation is often a desirable disposition, 此外，其還常用作對未成年罪犯的判決， 指科刑或給予其他所規(guī)定的對待和處理[9]。
 
[1] "An authoritative determination (as a decree or judgment) made after consideration of facts or law. ” Cf. Linda Picard Wood, J. D.，Merriam Webster's Dictionary of Law, at p. 123, Merriam-Webster, Incorporated (1996).
[2] "A final judgment or decision, esp. one by an arbitrator or by a jury assessing damages. ” Cf. Bryan A. Gamer, Black's Law Dictionary, 7th edition, at p. 132, West Group (1999).
[3]“A decision upon a question of fact reached as the result of a judicial examination or investigation by a court, jury, referee, coroner, etc. ”Cf. The Publisher's Editorial Staff, Black's Law Dictionary, abridged 6th edition, at p. 437, West Publishing Co. (1991 ).