Which term refers to the determination of rights of parties in an action before a court?

The term that refers to the determination of the rights of parties in an action before a court is "judgment." A judgment is the formal decision made by a court regarding the outcome of a legal proceeding. It encompasses the court's findings on the issues presented and resolves the disputes between the parties involved.

In a legal context, when a case is brought before a court, the judge evaluates the evidence, listens to the arguments, and ultimately provides a judgment that outlines the rights and responsibilities of each party. This decision is legally binding and can typically be enforced.

Other terms, while related to court proceedings, do not encapsulate the complete idea of determining rights in the same way. An agreement usually refers to a mutual understanding between parties outside of court, a ruling is a specific decision made by a judge on a procedural or legal issue during the proceedings, and a verdict specifically pertains to the jury's decision in a trial regarding the guilt or innocence of a defendant in criminal cases. Thus, "judgment" distinctly and effectively captures the complete resolution of a court action.