What is the primary legal process used to examine facts and law in a court?

The primary legal process used to examine facts and law in a court is a trial. During a trial, parties involved in a legal dispute present their evidence and arguments before a judge or jury, who then evaluates the information and makes determinations regarding the case. Trials are comprehensive proceedings that follow established legal protocols, including the examination of witnesses, presentation of documents, and application of relevant laws to the facts presented.

In contrast to a trial, mediation and arbitration are alternative dispute resolution methods that do not typically involve a formal examination of facts in a court setting. Mediation focuses on facilitating negotiation between the parties with the help of a neutral third party, while arbitration involves a third party making a binding decision after hearing both sides. A hearing may refer to various types of proceedings, often more limited in scope than a trial, and can involve examining specific aspects of a case rather than an extensive adjudication of the entire matter.

Thus, the trial process is essential because it serves as the primary means for resolving legal disputes in a structured and formal judicial environment, ensuring that both sides have an opportunity to present their case.