quasijudicial

Quasijudicial, often written as quasi-judicial, refers to actions, procedures, or bodies that perform functions akin to judicial decision-making but are not formal courts. In law, a quasi-judicial body applies statutes, rules, or regulations to determine rights, obligations, or penalties in individual cases. Decisions are typically binding, may involve hearings, evidence, and the application of legal standards, and must adhere to principles of natural justice.

Typical features include the provision of a hearing, the opportunity to present evidence and arguments, an independent decision-maker, and written, reasoned rulings. Quasi-judicial bodies may issue orders, licenses, sanctions, determinations of liability, or the denial or grant of privileges. They usually operate within an enabling statute that sets their powers, procedures, and scope, and their decisions are generally subject to later review by a court for legality or reasonableness.

They differ from purely judicial proceedings in that they are often part of an executive or regulatory framework and may be specialized to particular domains, such as licensing, regulatory enforcement, or disciplinary matters. They also differ from purely legislative bodies, which create or modify law rather than decide individual disputes.

Safeguards include adherence to due process, unbiased and independent decision-makers, transparency, and the availability of judicial or appellate review. The term is used in many jurisdictions to describe tribunals, commissions, or boards endowed with adjudicatory powers that operate within statutory schemes.