以上单词均有裁定、裁决或判决的含义。它们之间的区别在于：decision为通用词汇，可指任何类别的裁决或判决，如 arbitral decision (仲裁裁决）或 judicial decision (司法判决） 等[1]。award (也称为arbitrament)专指仲裁裁决或陪审团有关损害赔偿金的裁决[2]。finding (finding of fact也常简称为finding) 多用于指对事实的裁定[3]。judgment多指法院对诉讼案件的最终判决（final decision),可指民事判决，也可用于指刑事判决，尤其是指结果为赦免、撤销原判、驳回上诉等不科处刑罚之判决[4]。而与之相对，sentence的中心含义为科刑（inflicting punishment on the convicted) ， 故其只限于指刑事判决，且为处以刑罚之目的的判决[5];如无罪开释则应用其他词，如decision 或judgment等来表示。verdict是指陪审团作出的有关事实等的陪审裁决[6]。decree是指法院根据衡平法上的权利所作的裁定，故多用于指衡平法院、海事法院以及继承和离婚法院所作的判决或裁定[7]。ruling多指在诉讼中就动议所作出的裁决, 以及为解释法律、法令、法规、条例等而作出裁定[8]。disposition 在民事上多指法官就某事项或动议的裁定 ， 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，其还常用作对未成年罪犯的判决， 指科刑或给予其他所规定的对待和处理[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 ).