Legal Definitions - quasi-judicial

The term quasi-judicial describes actions or proceedings that resemble those of a court of law but are carried out by an administrative agency, an executive official, or a body that is not part of the traditional judicial branch.

These entities perform functions such as holding hearings, taking evidence, interpreting rules, and making decisions that affect the rights and obligations of individuals, much like a judge would. While they operate outside the formal court system, their decisions often carry significant legal weight and can sometimes be challenged in a regular court.

Here are some examples illustrating the concept of quasi-judicial actions:

• Professional Licensing Board: Imagine a state medical board investigating a complaint against a doctor for alleged professional misconduct. The board holds a formal hearing where both the doctor and the complainant can present evidence, call witnesses, and cross-examine. After considering all information, the board decides whether the doctor's license should be suspended or revoked.

  Explanation: This action is quasi-judicial because the medical board, an administrative body, conducts a formal hearing process similar to a court trial (presenting evidence, witnesses, decision-making) to adjudicate a dispute and impose a penalty, even though its members are not judges.

• Zoning Board of Appeals: A homeowner wants to build an addition to their house that slightly exceeds the local zoning height limits. They apply to the Zoning Board of Appeals for a "variance" (an exception to the rule). The board holds a public hearing where the homeowner presents their case, neighbors can voice objections, and the board considers evidence and legal standards before deciding whether to grant the variance.

  Explanation: The Zoning Board of Appeals acts in a quasi-judicial capacity by holding a formal hearing, evaluating arguments and evidence from different parties, and applying specific legal standards (zoning ordinances) to make a binding decision that affects property rights, even though it is an administrative body, not a traditional court.

• Workers' Compensation Commission: An employee is injured on the job and files a claim for workers' compensation benefits. If the employer disputes the claim, the case might go before a Workers' Compensation Commission. The commission conducts a hearing, reviews medical reports, hears testimony from the employee and employer, and then issues a ruling on whether the employee is entitled to benefits and the amount.

  Explanation: This is quasi-judicial because the Workers' Compensation Commission, an administrative body, conducts a formal, court-like process (hearings, evidence review, testimony) to resolve a dispute between parties and make a legally binding determination about financial benefits, without being a traditional court.