Which term refers to the official decision made by a jury?

The term that refers to the official decision made by a jury is "verdict." A verdict is a critical component in the legal process, particularly in jury trials, where it represents the jury's conclusion regarding the facts of the case presented during the trial. Once the evidence has been reviewed and deliberated upon by the jurors, they reach a verdict, which essentially communicates whether the defendant is found guilty or not guilty in criminal cases, or liable or not liable in civil cases.

In contrast, the other terms do not specifically denote a jury's decision. An order typically refers to a command or direction issued by a court, while a judgment is a more general term that encompasses the court's final decision regarding the rights and obligations of the parties involved, which may include a jury verdict but also includes decisions made by judges in bench trials. A decree often refers to an official order issued by a legal authority, but it is usually associated with family law matters, such as divorce decrees, rather than jury decisions. Thus, the specific nature of a verdict makes it the correct term for a jury's official decision.