Judicial Proceedings Definition and Legal Meaning

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

What is Judicial Proceedings?

History and Meaning of Judicial Proceedings

Judicial proceedings refer to any legal proceeding carried out in a court of law to determine and enforce legal rights. This can include a variety of legal activities, such as litigation, arbitration, and administrative hearings. The term "judicial proceedings" has its roots in the English common law system, which formed the basis of the American legal system.

The purpose of judicial proceedings is to provide a fair and impartial resolution to disputes between individuals or entities that cannot be resolved through negotiation or other alternative dispute resolution methods. In judicial proceedings, both parties present evidence and argue their cases before a judge, who then makes a ruling based on the law and the facts of the case.

Examples of Judicial Proceedings

• A civil lawsuit filed by a plaintiff against a defendant for breach of contract.
• An administrative hearing to determine whether an individual is entitled to receive disability benefits.
• An arbitration proceeding to resolve a dispute between two businesses over a breach of contract.
• A criminal trial to determine guilt or innocence in a case involving a serious offense.

Legal Terms Similar to Judicial Proceedings

• Litigation: The process of resolving a dispute through a court of law, typically in the form of a civil lawsuit.
• Arbitration: A dispute resolution process involving a neutral third party who listens to arguments from both sides and makes a binding decision.
• Administrative hearing: A legal proceeding held by a government agency to resolve a dispute or issue related to its regulatory responsibilities.
• Due process: The legal requirement that individuals be treated fairly and impartially in all legal proceedings.
• Trial: A legal proceeding in which evidence is presented and arguments are made in front of a judge or jury who decides the outcome of the case.