What does "adjudicate" mean in a legal context?

The term "adjudicate" in a legal context refers specifically to the process of resolving a dispute by a formal judgment or decision made by a judge or an authoritative body. This entails hearing the arguments of both sides and evaluating the evidence presented before reaching a conclusion. The essence of adjudication lies in its judicial character, where a legal authority reviews the details of a case and makes a decisive ruling.

In contrast, the other options do not capture the comprehensive nature of adjudication. Delaying proceedings refers to postponing a case, which is the opposite of rendering a decision. Summarizing findings involves condensing information and does not reflect the formal resolution of a dispute. Dismissing a case means to terminate it without a ruling on the merits, which again does not equate to making a judicial decision. Thus, the choice that encapsulates the full meaning of adjudication in a legal context is the one describing the hearing and decision-making process.