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Simple English definitions for legal terms
quasi-criminal (proceeding)
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A quick definition of quasi-criminal (proceeding):
A quasi-criminal proceeding is when a civil case is treated like a criminal case. This means that even though it's not a criminal case, the person involved may still face penalties that are similar to those in a criminal case. For example, someone who is held in contempt of court during a divorce case may be punished with imprisonment, which is usually a criminal penalty. This type of punishment is called a "quasi-criminal punishment." If someone is involved in a quasi-criminal proceeding, they still have the right to due process protections.
A more thorough explanation:
A quasi-criminal proceeding is when a civil case is treated as if it were a criminal case. This means that even though it is a civil case, the punishment can be similar to a criminal penalty. For example, if someone is held in contempt of court during a divorce case, they may be given a punishment of imprisonment, which is usually a criminal penalty.
Another example of a quasi-criminal proceeding is when a court awards punitive damages. Punitive damages are a type of compensation that is meant to punish the defendant for their actions. The U.S. Supreme Court has described punitive damages as a "quasi-criminal punishment."
It is important to note that even though a quasi-criminal proceeding is a civil case, the defendant is still entitled to due process protections. This means that they have the right to a fair trial and other legal protections.
Overall, a quasi-criminal proceeding is a unique type of legal case that can result in punishments similar to criminal penalties, even though it is a civil case.