adjudication

Adjudication is the formal process of making a judgment or decision about a matter that is in dispute. This typically involves a judge, or an adjudicator, who impartially decides the outcome of a controversy. The act of adjudication can result in a judicial decision or sentence.123

In legal systems, adjudication is a key part of civil procedure, where rules are established to prioritize goals such as seeking truth, ensuring fairness, or achieving a speedy resolution. Different legal traditions, like civil law and common law, approach adjudication with varying emphasis on the roles of parties, judges, and juries. The process can involve multiple stages, including pretrial proceedings where claims are presented and factual foundations are explored, leading up to a trial or main hearing.4