Legal Definitions - quasi-judicial act

A quasi-judicial act refers to an action taken by a public official or administrative body that involves applying rules and regulations to specific facts, much like a court would, but without being part of the formal judicial system. These acts often involve hearings, evidence review, and the issuance of decisions that affect individuals' rights or privileges. While not performed by a judge in a traditional court, these decisions must still adhere to principles of fairness and due process.

Here are some examples illustrating a quasi-judicial act:

• Government Benefit Determination: Imagine a person applies for disability benefits from a government agency. The agency reviews their medical records, assesses their work history, and applies specific legal criteria and regulations to determine if the applicant qualifies for benefits. If the agency holds a hearing, allows the applicant to present evidence, and then issues a formal decision based on the facts and law, this entire process constitutes a quasi-judicial act. The agency is acting like a court by weighing evidence and applying legal standards to a specific case, even though its officials are not judges.

• Professional Licensing Board Hearing: Consider a state board responsible for licensing nurses. If a complaint is filed against a nurse alleging professional misconduct, the board may convene a hearing. During this hearing, the board reviews evidence, hears testimony from witnesses, and then decides whether the nurse's license should be suspended, revoked, or if other disciplinary actions are warranted, based on established professional standards and state law. This formal process of fact-finding, deliberation, and decision-making by the licensing board is a quasi-judicial act, as it mimics the adjudicative function of a court.

• University Disciplinary Committee Decision: A student at a university is accused of violating the academic honesty policy. The university's disciplinary committee holds a hearing where they listen to the student's explanation, review evidence (like submitted assignments), and hear from professors or other relevant parties. The committee then applies the university's code of conduct to the facts presented and decides whether the student is guilty and what penalty, if any, should be imposed. This structured process of investigating, hearing evidence, and making a binding decision based on established rules is a quasi-judicial act, even within an educational institution.