Adjudication Definition and Legal Meaning

On this page, you'll find the legal definition and meaning of Adjudication, written in plain English, along with examples of how it is used.

What is Adjudication?

n. literal meaning is giving or pronouncing a judgment in a cause. In legal terms it means certain proceedings, by ways of action, against debtors, before the court.

History and Meaning of Adjudication

Adjudication is a legal term that means a court judgment or decision. It is derived from the Latin word "adjudicare" which refers to "to judge." Whenever a legal dispute arises, the parties involved can enter adjudication proceedings to resolve the matter. In this process, the judge or a third-party arbitrator hears the evidence and disputes of both parties and makes a final decision.

Adjudication has a long history dating back to ancient Greek and Roman times. However, it wasn't until the rise of modern legal systems that the term became a common term. Adjudication is now used in different areas of the law, including labor law, administrative law, and family law, to mention a few.

Examples of Adjudication

Let's consider a few examples of how the term "adjudication" can be used in different contexts:

  1. The court conducted an adjudication to settle the dispute between the two parties.
  2. Any tenant-landlord disagreements will be settled through adjudication proceedings.
  3. The new arbitration agreement allows for rapid and final adjudication of disputes.
  4. The judge's adjudication of the case was expected to take several months.
  5. The parties agreed to submit the dispute to adjudication to avoid the cost of litigation.

Legal Terms Similar to Adjudication

Here are some legal terms similar to adjudication:

  1. Arbitration: This is an alternative dispute resolution process that involves the appointment of a private judge or a panel to make a final decision.
  2. Litigation: This is the legal process that involves taking a dispute to court.
  3. Mediation: This is a non-binding dispute resolution process that involves a neutral third party who helps the parties find a mutually agreeable solution.
  4. Hearing: This is a legal process that requires a hearing officer to listen to evidence and make a decision based on it.
  5. Trial: This is a legal process in which evidence is presented before a judge or a jury, and a verdict is reached.