adjudicating

Adjudicating refers to the act of making a formal judgment or decision in a dispute by a person or body empowered to determine rights and obligations. It is used in legal, administrative, and quasi-judicial settings. The term derives from Latin adjudicare, meaning to judge or decide. Adjudication contrasts with negotiation or mediation by presenting a binding resolution reached after evaluating evidence and applying applicable rules.

In courts, adjudication is the core function of judges and, in some jurisdictions, juries, to resolve civil or criminal cases by applying the law to facts and issuing verdicts, judgments, and remedies. In administrative adjudication, government agencies decide disputes such as eligibility for benefits, licensing, tax matters, or regulatory compliance, following statutory procedures and ensuring due process. In private dispute resolution, adjudication or arbitration involves an adjudicator or arbitrator issuing a decision that is typically binding on the parties, with limited grounds for appeal.

Construction adjudication is a notable form of rapid dispute resolution in some jurisdictions, particularly under statutory frameworks that require timely decisions on payment disputes within contracts. The adjudicator’s decision is usually binding unless and until the dispute is finally determined by a court or arbitration.

Process steps commonly include filing or initiating a dispute, submission of evidence and representations, review of applicable law or contract terms, a hearing or written submissions, and the issuance of a reasoned decision with orders or remedies. Standards of proof vary by context, ranging from civil preponderance of evidence to higher criminal standards, and administrative standards defined by statute.