nonjudicially

Nonjudicially is an adverb meaning in a manner that does not involve a court or judge, or that proceeds outside the formal judicial process. It describes actions taken by authorities or individuals without a judicial proceeding, trial, or adjudication.

In governmental and organizational contexts, decisions or penalties can be imposed nonjudicially through administrative rules, executive actions, or internal disciplinary procedures, rather than by a court or through a formal judicial process. Nonjudicial methods may be used to resolve disputes, enforce regulations, or administer discipline in a more expedient or administratively controlled manner.

The term is related to nonjudicial and extrajudicial concepts. Nonjudicially generally refers to actions outside the judiciary while potentially remaining authorized by law, policy, or organizational rules. By contrast, extrajudicial actions are outside the entire formal judiciary and can carry connotations of bypassing legal oversight or due process. The distinction matters in legal and governance discussions because it bears on rights, due process, and legitimacy.

Usage notes: nonjudicially is relatively formal and more common in legal or bureaucratic writing than in everyday speech. Alternatives in common usage include “administratively,” “without court involvement,” or “without a judicial proceeding.” Example sentences are: “The agency settled the matter nonjudicially,” or “the officer imposed the penalty nonjudicially under internal policy.”