Definitions for "Adjudicatory hearing"
A court hearing where the judge decides if the charges against a juvenile are true.
Juvenile court proceeding to determine whether the allegations on a petition are true and whether the child/youth should be adjudicated and subject to orders of the court. (similar to a trial)
The trial part of a juvenile case where testimony and evidence is presented to the judge. The judge reviews and weighs the evidence and testimony. If the judge finds that the evidence and testimony have proven " beyond a reasonable doubt" that the juvenile is guilty, a finding of delinquency or status offense is made.