An adjudication is a legal ruling or judgment, usually final, and can also refer to the process of settling a legal case or claim through the court or justice system. This can include a decree in the bankruptcy process between the defendant and the creditors.
Normally, an adjudication represents the final judgment or pronouncement in a case that will determine the course of action taken regarding the issue presented. Outside of the legal process, adjudication can also refer to other formal judgment or ruling processes that make a final decision, such as the process of validating an insurance claim.
Key Takeaways
- Adjudication is the process by which a court judge resolves issues between two parties.
- Adjudication hearings are similar to the arbitration hearing process.
- Generally, adjudication hearings involve money or nonviolent infractions resulting in a distribution of rights and obligations for all parties involved.
Thoroughly Navigating Adjudication
Adjudication describes the legal process that helps expedite and deliver a court’s resolution regarding an issue between two parties. The result of this process is a judgment and court opinion that is legally binding. Most adjudication hearings center on disputes that involve money or nonviolent infractions and result in the distribution of rights and obligations for all parties involved.
This legal process is distinct from other justice-seeking or evidence-based court cases. It is typically used to settle disputes between private parties, political officials and a private party, and public bodies and officials. In the healthcare industry, for example, adjudication can determine a carrier’s liability for monetary claims submitted by an insured person.
Adjudication vs. Arbitration
Adjudication specifically refers to the process and decision made by a government-appointed or elected judge, as opposed to a decision by an arbitrator in a private proceeding. While both judges and arbitrators are required to follow the law, judges’ adjudications must take into account the interests of the government and the general public interest. Arbitration, however, only considers the interests of the parties involved.
Adjudication Disputes
Types of disputes handled or resolved through adjudication include:
- Disagreements between private parties such as single-persons, individual entities, or corporations
- Disagreements between private parties and public officials
- Disagreements between public officials and/or public bodies
Requirements for full adjudication include requisite notice to all interested and legally-affected parties and an opportunity for all parties to present their evidence and arguments.
The Adjudication Process
Formal rules of evidence and procedure govern the process where the initiating party, or trier, gives a notice establishing the facts in controversy and defines any applicable laws. The notice also sometimes outlines the nature of the dispute and recounts where and when it occurred and the desired result based on law. However, there are no specific requirements regarding the notice of adjudication.
An adjudicator is appointed and a notice is sent to the defending party, who responds by submitting a defense. The adjudicator provides both parties with a chance to present their arguments at a hearing and then makes a final ruling. This process is very similar to an arbitration hearing for settling a business dispute.
An Example of Adjudication
An adjudication result can come from various official judgments or decisions. A typical example would be a judge levying a penalty or sentence against a defendant in court.
The Origin of Adjudicate
Adjudicate derives from the Latin word judicare, meaning “to judge.”
Purpose of the Adjudication Process
Adjudication is a formalized remedy for efficiently resolving disputes, settling legal claims, or deciding a case.
Related Terms: arbitration, litigation, mediation, legal judgment, dispute resolution.
