What is Adjudication?

Adjudication generally refers to processes of decision making that involve a neutral third party with the
authority to determine a binding resolution through some form of judgment or award. [1] Adjudication is
carried out in various forms, but most commonly occurs in the court system. It can also take place outside
the court system in the form of alternative dispute resolution processes such as arbitration, private
judging, and mini-trials (see ADR).

Example:

Adjudication is an involuntary, adversarial process. This means arguments are presented to prove one side
right and one side wrong, resulting inwin-lose outcomes. In civil cases, one side/person that believes he or
she has been wronged (plaintiff) files legal charges against another (defendant). In other words, somebody
sues someone they have a legal problem with. Once this occurs, both parties are obligated by law to
participate in court-based proceedings. If the case goes to trial, each side then presents reasoned
arguments and evidence to support their claims. Once that presentation of evidence and arguments is
completed, a judge or jury then makes a decision. Appeals may be filed in an attempt to get a higher court
to reverse the decision. If no appeal is filed, the decision is binding on both parties.[3]

REGULAR COURTS

> It refers to civil courts as opposed to military courts

> Military courts cannot try and exercise jurisdiction over civilians for offenses allegedly
committed by them as long as civil courts are open and functioning

The Court of Appeals of the Philippines is the Philippines' second-highest judicial court, after
the Supreme Court. The court consists of 68 Associate Justices and 1 Presiding Justice. Under
the Constitution, the Court of Appeals (CA) "reviews not only the decisions and orders of the Regional
Trial Courts nationwide but also those of the Court of Tax Appeals, as well as the awards, judgments,
final orders or resolutions

RTC handles more sensitive cases such as property owenership, higher money claim, etc.
Bracket of cases are divided in Courts of justice to avoid declogging of cases in lower courts such as the
municipal trial court and barangay court.

Metropolitan Trial Courts These courts adjudicate legal controversies which include criminal cases not
cognizable by the RTCs; cases in violation of ordinances punishable by imprisonment of not exceeding
four years and two months or a fine of not more than P4,000.00 and civil actions; and probate proceedings
where the value of property or demand does not exceed P20,000.00

These courts took the place of the city and Municipal Circuit Courts.

The decisions of these courts are appealable to the Regional Trial courts.