Legal Definitions - fair

Fair, as an adjective, describes something that is impartial, just, and free from bias or favoritism. It means treating all individuals or parties equally, based on objective standards rather than personal feelings, prejudices, or self-interest. A fair outcome or process ensures that everyone has an equal opportunity or is judged by the same criteria.

• Example 1: Imagine a school principal investigating a dispute between two students. Instead of immediately siding with the student who is usually well-behaved, the principal gathers statements from both students, speaks to any witnesses, and reviews any relevant evidence like text messages or notes. Only after considering all perspectives and facts does the principal make a decision about how to resolve the conflict.

  This illustrates "fair" because the principal acted impartially, gathering all available information and treating both students equally without prejudice. The decision was based on objective evidence rather than pre-existing opinions or favoritism.

• Example 2: A local government is awarding a contract for a new public park construction project. To ensure a fair process, they publish a detailed Request for Proposals (RFP) outlining all requirements, specifications, and evaluation criteria. All interested construction companies submit their bids, and a committee reviews them blindly, meaning they don't know which company submitted which bid, judging each proposal solely on its merits against the established criteria.

  This demonstrates a "fair" process because it is designed to be free of bias and favoritism. By using a standardized RFP and blind evaluation, the government ensures that all companies have an equal opportunity and the contract is awarded based on the quality and suitability of the proposal, not on personal connections or external influences.

• Example 3: During a performance review at work, a manager assesses an employee's performance over the past year. The manager uses specific, measurable goals that were set at the beginning of the year, provides examples of successes and areas for improvement, and avoids bringing up personal disagreements or unrelated issues. The feedback is constructive and directly related to the employee's job responsibilities and agreed-upon targets.

  This shows a "fair" evaluation because the manager is being objective and just. By sticking to established goals and providing specific examples, the manager avoids personal bias and ensures the review is based on the employee's actual work performance, providing an equitable assessment.