Legal Definitions - quasi-judicial power

Quasi-judicial power refers to the authority granted to a non-judicial body or official to make decisions that resemble those made by a court of law. While these bodies are not part of the traditional judicial system, they have the power to hold hearings, gather evidence, make findings of fact, and issue rulings that affect the rights and obligations of individuals or organizations. These decisions often involve interpreting laws and applying them to specific situations, much like a judge would, but within an administrative or regulatory context. Their rulings are typically subject to review by actual courts.

Here are some examples illustrating quasi-judicial power:

• A Local Zoning Board Hearing: Imagine a homeowner wants to build a large addition to their house that slightly exceeds the height limits set by local zoning ordinances. They apply for a variance, and the local zoning board holds a public hearing. During the hearing, the board listens to arguments from the homeowner, reviews architectural plans, considers input from neighbors, and examines the relevant zoning laws. After deliberating, the board issues a decision either approving or denying the variance. This process demonstrates quasi-judicial power because the zoning board, an administrative body, conducts a formal hearing, weighs evidence, interprets local regulations, and makes a binding decision that directly impacts the homeowner's property rights, similar to how a court would resolve a dispute.

• A State Professional Licensing Board: Consider a situation where a complaint is filed against a licensed accountant for alleged professional misconduct. The state's Board of Accountancy initiates an investigation and, if sufficient evidence is found, schedules a disciplinary hearing. During the hearing, both the accountant and the complainant present their cases, call witnesses, and submit documents. The board members, who are typically other licensed professionals, evaluate the evidence against the state's professional conduct standards and decide whether to impose sanctions, such as a suspension of the accountant's license or a fine. This is an exercise of quasi-judicial power because the licensing board, an administrative agency, acts like a court by holding a formal hearing, assessing evidence, applying professional standards, and issuing a decision with significant consequences for the individual's ability to practice their profession.

• A Workers' Compensation Commission: Suppose an employee suffers an injury at work and files a claim for medical expenses and lost wages with the state's Workers' Compensation Commission. If the employer or their insurance company disputes the claim, the commission will schedule a hearing. At the hearing, an administrative law judge (who works for the commission, not a traditional court) will hear testimony from the employee, employer, and medical experts, review medical records, and consider other evidence. The judge then makes a determination on whether the injury is work-related, the extent of the disability, and the amount of benefits the employee is entitled to receive. This illustrates quasi-judicial power because the Workers' Compensation Commission, an administrative body, resolves a legal dispute between parties, interprets statutory law, makes factual findings, and issues a binding award, performing functions typically associated with a court.