What concept does the phrase "adjudication on the merits" imply in legal proceedings?

The phrase "adjudication on the merits" signifies a judicial determination that addresses the substantive issues in a case, leading to a final resolution. When a case is adjudicated on its merits, the court has thoroughly examined the evidence and legal arguments presented, ultimately arriving at a decision that resolves the key disputes between the parties involved.

This final decision implies that the court has not only considered procedural aspects or technicalities but has also evaluated the core issues at hand. Such a ruling effectively concludes the litigation concerning those matters, allowing the parties to know the outcome based on the actual substance of their claims or defenses.

The other options do not relate to the full resolution of the case. A procedural dismissal does not involve a court's examination of the merits. An obligation to retry the case arises under certain circumstances, such as an appellate court's ruling, but it is not the same as a decision that settles the case. A notice of default judgment specifically pertains to scenarios where one party fails to respond, which does not reflect a thorough examination of the substantive issues. Therefore, the correct choice accurately captures the essence of what "adjudication on the merits" entails in legal proceedings.