What is the process of judicially deciding a case called?

The process of judicially deciding a case is known as adjudication. This term encompasses the legal process where a judge or jury examines the evidence and arguments presented in a case to reach a decision or verdict. Adjudication is the culmination of the judicial proceedings, which may involve various stages including hearings, trials, and deliberations, all aimed at resolving legal disputes.

In considering the other terms, incarceration refers specifically to the confinement of an individual, typically after a conviction. Sentencing is the stage in the judicial process where a punishment is assigned after a conviction has been reached. Appeal refers to the process in which a higher court is asked to review a decision made by a lower court. While these terms are related to the judicial system, they denote specific aspects that do not represent the overall process of deciding a case like adjudication does.