Which term refers to an individual or entity that benefits from a court's decree?

The term that refers to an individual or entity that benefits from a court's decree is "beneficiary." In legal terminology, a beneficiary is someone who receives advantages or benefits from a legal decision or arrangement, such as a will, trust, or court ruling. This could include inheriting assets, receiving financial compensation, or gaining rights as a result of a legal process.

In various legal contexts, such as probate law, the beneficiary holds a significant role because they are specifically designated to receive what's been allocated to them through a legal document or a court’s ruling. For example, in estate planning, the beneficiaries of a will are the individuals entitled to inherit the deceased's property as per the terms outlined by the deceased.

The other terms listed have different meanings. An agent is someone authorized to act on behalf of another person. A client refers to someone who engages the services of a professional, such as an attorney. A defendant is the individual or entity that is being accused or sued in a court of law. Understanding these distinctions highlights why beneficiary is the accurate choice in this context.