adjudicates

Adjudicate is a verb meaning to make a formal judgment or decision about a matter, especially a dispute. The term derives from Latin iudicare “to judge” via Old French adjudication; the related noun forms are adjudication and adjudicator (the person who decides).

In legal contexts, adjudication is the process by which a court, tribunal, or government agency resolves a dispute, determines liability or rights, and issues a binding decision. The decision may include orders, awards, or penalties and is typically subject to appeal.

Adjudication also occurs in administrative law and public regulation, where agencies hold hearings to decide claims such as social benefits, licenses, or enforcement actions. In competitions, judges adjudicate results and award prizes according to established criteria.

Adjudication differs from arbitration and mediation. Arbitration is a private, agreement-based process with a binding decision decided by an arbitrator; adjudication is often a formal state or quasi-public process. Mediation involves a facilitator helping parties reach a settlement and does not by itself produce a binding ruling.

The verb is used broadly to indicate deciding or resolving something according to rules or law, by a person or body empowered to do so, whether in courts, agencies, or formal panels.