Which term denotes the final resolution or outcome of a case?

• A. The punishment or penalty imposed by a court after a defendant is found guilty.
• B. The recorded balance in the court's account.
• C. The money received by the court from fines, fees, bail and lawful sources.
• D. The final resolution or outcome of a case.

Answer: (D)

The term that captures how a case ends is the final resolution or outcome—the disposition of the case. This description matches exactly what the option is stating, so it best identifies the ending status after all proceedings. The other descriptions refer to separate things: the punishment is the sentence or penalty imposed after guilt; the recorded balance is just an accounting figure; and the money received describes funds collected from fines, fees, bail, and lawful sources. Only the final-resolution description names the case’s ending status.