WorldAugust 16, 2026

decretal

di-KREE-tuhl

Definition

Relating to or contained within a decree—a formal and binding legal judgment or order issued by a court.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin 'decretum' (a decree or decision), which comes from the verb 'decernere' (to decide or determine). It entered English in the 17th century as a technical adjective related to ecclesiastical or legal decrees.

In the news

The term is used to describe the specific monetary amount specified in a court's final judgment, which serves as the basis for calculating mandatory court fees.

Supreme Court Weekly Roundup: August 03, 2026 To August 09, 2026

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