adjudicate

Adjudicate is a verb meaning to make a formal decision or judgment about a disputed matter after considering evidence and applicable rules. It can refer to resolving a case in a court or to the ruling issued by a tribunal or agency. The related noun is adjudication, the act or result of such a decision.

Etymology: adjudicate comes from Latin ad- “toward” and iudicare “to judge,” entering English via Old French and Middle English usage.

In legal contexts, adjudication is the core process by which a judge or panel resolves disputes and issues judgments, often including findings of fact and conclusions of law. In administrative law, agencies adjudicate individual claims—such as benefits, licenses, or sanctions—through formal proceedings that may involve hearings, evidence, and written submissions; their decisions are typically binding and subject to appeal or review.

Process and outcomes: adjudication generally involves filing a case, presenting evidence, applying governing rules, and issuing a binding decision, order, or award. The result can determine rights, obligations, or remedies for the parties involved.

Other contexts: in arbitration, an arbitrator adjudicates the dispute and issues an award. In competitive settings, a designated adjudicator may evaluate performances or submissions to determine winners or rankings. Adjudication remains distinct from negotiation or mediation, as it yields a binding determination rather than a facilitated settlement.

See also: adjudicator, adjudicatory process, adjudication in administrative law.