Simple English definitions for legal terms
Read a random definition: REG. ORIG.
Quasi-legislative: When a group or organization makes rules that are like laws, but they are not actually made by a government. For example, when a group like an administrative agency makes rules, it is doing something like what a government does when it makes laws.
Definition: A quasi-legislative act is a legislative-like act that is undertaken by an entity other than a legislature. For example, when an administrative agency creates rules, it is engaging in a quasi-legislative act.
Illustrative caselaw: One example of a case that deals with quasi-legislative acts is Humphrey's Ex'r v. United States, 295 U.S. 602 (1935).
Explanation: In this case, the Supreme Court held that the Federal Trade Commission had the authority to create rules that had the force of law, even though the Commission was not a legislative body. This decision recognized the power of administrative agencies to engage in quasi-legislative acts, which are necessary for them to carry out their duties.
Additional examples: Other examples of quasi-legislative acts include when a city council creates zoning regulations or when a state agency establishes safety standards for a particular industry. In each case, the entity is creating rules that have the force of law, even though it is not a legislature.
Related terms: Administrative law, Administrative Procedure Act (APA).