Legal Definitions - adjudication hearing

An adjudication hearing is a legal proceeding where a judge or decision-maker listens to evidence and arguments from both sides to make a decision on a legal matter. It can be held in various types of cases, including criminal, administrative, and family law.

• In a criminal case, an adjudication hearing may be held to determine if there is enough evidence to proceed to trial.
• In an administrative case, an adjudication hearing may be held to decide if a person's rights and duties have been violated by an agency.
• In a family law case, an adjudication hearing may be held to determine if a child has been abused or neglected and if the state has the right to intervene on behalf of the child.

These examples illustrate how an adjudication hearing is a formal process where evidence is presented and a decision is made based on the facts and law.