What term describes the hearing where a judge reviews evidence and makes a decision regarding a juvenile's status?

The term that describes the hearing where a judge reviews evidence and makes a decision regarding a juvenile's status is "adjudication." During an adjudication hearing in juvenile court, the judge assesses the facts of the case after evidence is presented, which may include testimonies, documents, and other relevant materials. This process is crucial as it allows the judge to determine whether the allegations against the juvenile are substantiated, leading to a decision about the juvenile's legal status and future interventions, if necessary.

This is distinct from a disposition, which refers to the subsequent stage where the judge decides on the appropriate action or consequences after adjudication. The term "trial" generally pertains to proceedings in adult criminal courts and does not specifically apply to the juvenile system. Sentencing, on the other hand, is related to the imposition of penalties or sanctions typically following a guilty verdict, which is also not a procedure that directly matches the review of evidence and deciding the case's outcome in juvenile courts.