What term refers to legal proceedings in which a dispute is settled in court?

The term that refers to legal proceedings in which a dispute is settled in court is litigation. Litigation involves the process of taking legal action, which typically entails filing a lawsuit and proceeding through various stages of the judicial system, including pre-trial, trial, and potentially appeals. This formal legal process is conducted in a court of law, where a judge or jury examines the evidence presented by the parties involved and makes a binding decision based on the law.

In contrast, arbitration, mediation, and negotiation are alternative dispute resolution methods that do not typically involve the court system. Arbitration involves an impartial third party making a binding decision, while mediation relies on a neutral mediator to facilitate a resolution between the parties without making binding decisions. Negotiation is a process where parties attempt to reach a mutually acceptable agreement directly without involving third parties. These methods are often preferred for their ability to resolve disputes more quickly and privately compared to litigation.