What Does Decree Mean? A decree is any authoritative decision made by a governing body or an authorized individual. Most often, this refers to a court order issued by a judge or other public official. In legal terms, a decree is often synonymous with a court judgment or sentence and is meant to resolve a dispute or controversy. The terms decree, order, and judgment are often interchangeable, as they all refer to the same concept. For example, when a court orders one of the parties involved in a dispute to pay damages to the other, that is considered a decree. Difference Between Decree and Statute Although the two terms may be used interchangeably in some cases, there is a key difference between a decree and a statute. A statute is a law created by a legislative body, such as Congress, and is typically enforced by the executive branch. These laws can be found in the U.S. Constitution, state constitutions, or other codified laws. A decree, on the other hand, is an order or ruling made by a judge or other public official through a court and is legally binding. To put it simply, a statute states the general law and a decree specifies how the law is applied in a specific instance. Modern Examples of Decree A court can issue a decree in a multitude of situations, such as when two parties are in a dispute over the terms of a contract. The court may issue a decree ordering one of the parties to abide by the terms of the contract. Another example of a decree is a court-ordered protection order, which is issued when a person needs protection from another individual, and orders the other person to stay away from the protected party. Finally, a judge may issue a decree when a dispute arises over child custody or support and orders one of the parties to pay a specific amount. Conclusion A decree is an authoritative decision made by a court or other public official that is legally binding. It is different than a statute which is a law created by a legislative body. Courts can issue decrees in a variety of circumstances, such as when two parties are in a dispute over a contract or when a person needs protection from another. Understanding what a decree is, and how it is different than a statute, is key for any business professional.