Which option is NOT an adjudicative process in alternative dispute resolution?

Settlement negotiation is not considered an adjudicative process in alternative dispute resolution (ADR) because it involves the parties directly engaging with one another to reach a mutual agreement without the involvement of a third party who would make a binding decision. In negotiation, the focus is on communication and compromise between the disputing parties themselves, allowing them to tailor the outcome according to their shared interests.

In contrast, adjudication, expert determination, and arbitration involve a neutral third party who takes a more authoritative role in resolving the dispute. In adjudication, a formal decision is made based on the facts and evidence presented, while in expert determination, an expert evaluates the dispute and provides a non-binding or binding resolution based on their specialized knowledge. Arbitration involves an arbitrator rendering a decision that is typically binding on both parties, similar to a court ruling. Each of these processes relies on an external decision-maker rather than the direct negotiation between the parties, which characterizes settlement negotiation.