Adjudication: Definition, Process, Types, and Practical Points

What is adjudication?

Adjudication is the formal process by which an authorized decision‑maker—typically a judge—resolves a dispute between parties and issues a binding judgment or ruling. It can apply to court cases, administrative decisions (for example, insurance or unemployment claims), and other formal processes that result in the allocation of rights, obligations, penalties, or remedies.

Key takeaways

• Adjudication is a judge‑led, legally binding resolution of a dispute.
• It is typically a public process and part of the public record, unlike private arbitration.
• Adjudication commonly handles monetary disputes, nonviolent infractions, administrative claims, and inter‑party disagreements.
• An “adjudication in progress” means the matter is under review and no final decision has been issued.

How adjudication works

1. Initiation: The initiating party files a notice or complaint that frames the facts in controversy, the applicable law, and the relief sought. Formal notice to interested parties is required.
2. Appointment/Assignment: A judge or adjudicator is assigned to the case.
3. Response and Discovery: The defending party files a response or defense and the parties may exchange evidence according to procedural rules.
4. Hearing: Both sides present evidence and arguments at a hearing or trial governed by rules of evidence and procedure.
5. Decision: The adjudicator issues a final ruling or judgment, which is usually binding and may be entered into the public record.
6. Post‑decision: Depending on jurisdiction and case type, parties may have rights to appeal or to seek enforcement of the judgment.

Types of disputes handled by adjudication

• Private party vs. private party (individuals, businesses, corporations)
• Private party vs. public official or public body
• Disputes among public officials or governmental entities
• Administrative claims (e.g., insurance benefit denials, unemployment eligibility)

Adjudication vs. arbitration

• Adjudication: Public, judge‑led, part of the court or administrative record; follows statutory or procedural law.
• Arbitration: Private, arbitrator‑led, typically confidential; governed by the parties’ arbitration agreement and arbitral rules. Both are neutral decision processes, but adjudication is usually more formal and public.

Examples

• A judge issues a monetary judgment against a defendant in a civil lawsuit.
• An administrative law judge decides whether a claimant is eligible for unemployment benefits or whether an insurer must pay a health claim.

Adjudication in progress

When an adjudication is “in progress,” the matter is still being considered—evidence is being reviewed, hearings may be pending, and no final decision has been issued. It can also indicate that the adjudicator is awaiting additional actions from the parties before ruling.

Origins of the term

The verb “adjudicate” derives from the Latin judicāre, meaning “to judge.”

When to seek legal help

If you receive a notice of adjudication or are a party to an adjudicative proceeding, consult an attorney or an appropriate advisor promptly to understand deadlines, procedural requirements, and your rights to present evidence or appeal.

Further reading

• Cornell Law School, Legal Information Institute — entries on “Adjudication” and “Formal Adjudication”